Interviews can already be a nerve wracking ordeal, and telephone and video interviews can be as uncomfortable as in-person interviews. Yet they’re a great “first step” in many interview processes, especially for candidates who are in another location. Screening calls can be one-on-one, or with a committee. Either way, the same rules apply as in-person interviews: make your best impression.
Telephone Interview Tips
Here’s how to prep yourself telephone interviews:
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The criteria is not the same as an in-person interview. Instead of eye contact, you’re using your voice and its tone to communicate how you feel.
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Talk concisely. Your experience, accomplishments, and achievements are worth celebrating, but you don’t need to launch into a diatribe about each one. Clear and short responses will do just fine, and keep the interviewer engaged.
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Be friendly! Just like an in-person interview, you want to convey enthusiasm. Smile over the phone. When you smile, they’ll hear it!
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If there’s dead air during the conversation, use the moment to ask a prepared question. Find out about the company’s culture or more about the team.
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Listen closely. Without body language cues, you’ll have to engage in active listening to “hear” between the lines. Take notes if it helps, and concentrate on what they tell you about responsibilities and expectations.
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Don’t discuss salary or benefits. You’re talking to them to connect about the basics of the job. If you get into second and third interviews, then consider talking about it.
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Make sure you are in a quiet place without technology or connection issues.
Video Interview Tips
Likewise, video interviews via Skype, Zoom, Facetime or Google Hangout come with their own best practices. Here’s how to prep:
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Practice questions before the interview. Have a friend talk to you via video so you can work out any tech kinks in advance.
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Look at the camera! If you look at the screen, you’re not making eye contact. Remember to apply in-person interview eye contact to a video one as well.
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Dress like you’re meeting the interviewer in person.
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Make sure your space is well lighted. If you’re in a darker room, move a lamp nearby so they can see your face.
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Pay close attention to what is being displayed on the wall behind you. Ensure you have clean, professional backdrop.
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Keep up the pace. Like on the phone, you want brief and memorable answers to their questions. Be mindful of how long it takes you to respond, and be aware of the time.
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Confirm timezones, especially if you are in a different timezone that the other person.
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Be mindful of tech issues. Check your microphone and Internet connection prior to the interview start.
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For creative roles, you may need to screen share and show your portfolio. Be prepared with a clean, uncluttered desktop and have your portfolio ready to go!
What are your tried and true interview tips?