A phone screen interview is an important step many employers use in their recruitment process. As the name suggests, it is conducted over the phone and is typically used to filter out candidates who are not suited for the in-person interview. It aims to weed out those not fit for the role earlier in the recruitment process.
Job interviews are an important stepping stone in any individual’s career. In modern times, owing to the rise of technology, interview methods have increased and evolved over the years. It is no longer necessary to be physically present at a venue. Virtual interviews are gradually taking over recruitment.
Steps To Prepare For A Phone Screen Interview
Just because the interview is carried out over the phone does not mean you should not be thoroughly prepared for it. One should always be prepared for an interview, regardless of what kind it may be.
1. Before The Interview
Prior to the interview, be sure you have everything ready and are thoroughly prepared for it. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and files. Wake up on time and get ready for the call. Avoid having to rush at the last minute and being unorganized. Be ready and available on time. Not doing so leaves a bad first impression.
2. Brush Up On Your Technical Knowledge
For any job you apply for, there will be relevant technical skills you need to showcase. Make sure you know the role well and are well-educated about the job. This will show the interviewer that you are competent and know what you are doing. Also, make sure you have read the job description to know what is required.
3. Find A Quiet Spot
The last thing we want is to be in the middle of an interview and hear machine noises from the construction work going on behind your house. Excessive background noise can make you less audible to the interviewer. You don’t want something like this to hinder your chances of being recruited.
Some Common Phone Interview Questions Are:
Researching common phone screen interview questions can help you dodge a few unexpected bullets during the interview. Let’s take a look at a few of them. Answer briefly and to the point. It is recommended to spend no more than 30 seconds to a minute answering a question during the interview.
Tell Me About Yourself.
Give your name, age, qualifications, experience, and other basic details. Mention your interests and abilities, too. You may add details, like whether or not you have siblings, your nationality, and the region where you were born. Keep things general when answering this one.
What Interests You About This Job?
To answer questions like these, it is important to go through the job description beforehand. Speak about how you can use your skills to do the job well. If you have any experience in similar roles, share those as well. Talk about how you feel this job can help you grow and other opportunities you feel it has to offer.
What Are Your Salary Expectations?
The exact answer you give will vary depending on several factors. It is considered better to give a range rather than an exact figure. Also, with ranges, employers will go for the lower end of the range to hire you at a cheaper price. So it is best to make sure the minimum we will settle for is at the lower limit.
For example, if you are willing to settle for a minimum of $50,000 per year, respond to this question by saying you want a salary in the range of $50,000-$55,000 a year. This way, even if the recruiter goes for the lower end, you will still be safe. If they go a bit higher, then even better!
Why Do You Want To Work Here?
For this type of question, it helps if you have gone through the company’s website before the interview. You can find details about the mission, vision, policies, etc. of the company, which may help. You can speak about how you connect well with certain parts of it and feel you can be a good fit for the firm.
Talk about the scope for growth you feel you have if you opt to work for this organization. Explain how you feel it provides you with a great platform to develop your skills and help in your journey towards career advancement.
Tips On How To Conduct Yourself During A Phone Screen Interview
It is important to follow proper interview etiquette during any job interview. Even on the phone, certain negative behaviours can be picked up by the interviewer. Hence, it is vital to be respectful and behave well.
Avoid Chewing Or Eating
Chowing down on a quick snack or chewing gum while speaking can be annoying and easily detected by the interviewer. Make sure you’ve eaten whatever you need to before the interview so you do not get hungry in between. You may sip a glass of water now and then if you get thirsty, but avoid going beyond that.
Choose A Comfortable Position
Some people like to be seated during their phone screen interviews; others like having a light walk around while speaking. This helps them stay more alert and focused. Find what works best for you.
Tone
Speak firmly and confidently while maintaining a positive tone in your voice. Have a clear and open conversation, and make sure there is a clear understanding between both parties. Having the right tone helps improve the quality of the dialogue massively.
Follow-Up Procedure After A Phone Screen Interview
Following up appropriately is very important after any interview. However, there is a proper way in which to go about it. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Give Them Time
Do not follow up about the interview the very next day, or worse, the same day itself. Wait at least 2 or 3 days before following up so they have enough time to assess and get back to you if they are interested. Reaching out too soon can leave a bad impression. The employer may feel you lack patience.
Help Them Remember
An interviewer may not always remember each candidate as they interview many individuals. Give them hints to help them remember. For instance, you remind them of something you said during the interview that may have stood out. This helps them better know who they are speaking to.
Avoid Negativity
Do not criticize them for not responding more promptly or for doing anything unnecessarily. This will create a negative impression about you and make them feel you do not fit their company. Also, avoid asking about how other candidates’ interviews went. This should be none of your concern. Focus only on yourself.
Read: The Impact of AI and EdTech in the Classroom: Striking a Balance
Content Of The Follow-Up: What To Include And What To Avoid.
Following-up may also be done through email. In this case, it is important to follow the right format and make sure the email is of an appropriate length. It is recommended to make sure the email does not exceed 150 words.
Open with an appropriate greeting and start by thanking them for the opportunity. Tell them the date and time you attended the interview. Also, mention your name and the position for which you applied.
You can also reiterate some details you mentioned in the interview about your skills and qualifications to help them remember. Wish them and the company well as you close the body of the email. Mention your name and, if you like, your contact number towards the end.
Common Mistakes That Happen In A Phone Screen Interview
There are a lot of errors that can occur when giving a phone screen interview. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Not Asking For Clarification
It often happens, even during an in-person interview, that a question is not properly understood. However, a lot of candidates do not ask for clarification and attempt to answer it. It often leads to an incorrect response, which goes against them in the hiring process. Do not be shy about asking the interviewer to repeat the question if needed.
Not Asking Any Questions
It always helps if you have a few good questions to ask in return. This shows you are interested in them, which is always a positive sign. It can also help you better understand them, which would be ideal. If you are hired, it may help you adapt more quickly to the organization if you start your new job there.
Giving Out Excessive Information
Make sure your answers are brief and to the point. Avoid stating unnecessary details that hold no relevance. Stick to the point as much as possible and avoid deviating from the topic. Always keep things formal and professional.
Conclusion
A phone screen interview may not be liked by everyone. However, it is still a crucial aspect of the hiring process. Many companies still use it. Also, with the growing popularity of alternative forms of employment like remote work, freelancing, or work-from-home phone screen interviews, they are likely to stay.
Since employees can now work for a company without being physically present in the office, they can certainly be interviewed without being physically present too. Knowing what a phone screen interview is and understanding how to face it are important in today’s era.
To deal with a phone screen interview effectively, you must start preparing before the interview and also make sure you follow up well after the interview itself. All the while also ensuring you have a good interview with them. It is also essential to know how to write an effective resume for the job. However, the most important thing is to be confident and well-prepared. Make sure you do your homework on the job and for the company. Remember to follow proper etiquette as well as an appropriate follow-up procedure. Most importantly, be yourself and remain honest and everything should be alright.
Author’s Bio:
Kartik Singh is an experienced content writer presently serving as a Content Editor at Synkdup. With a dedicated commitment to crafting informative articles, he possesses a fervent desire to empower readers in their professional journeys. His contributions facilitate the exploration of diverse and engaging subjects, aiding readers in acquiring valuable insights and knowledge.