When a recruiter or hiring manager is looking to fill a job role, they generally receive many applications or referrals. Phone and video interviews help them to narrow down their choices to the top candidates and save time for both the interviewer and the interviewee since they do not need to meet in person at a physical location. As a job candidate, when you prepare for a phone or video interview well, you significantly increase your chances of making the short list. Here are some tips for success.
Create Your Value Based Profile and Resume
The first step in preparing for an interview is to optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile to articulate your value proposition statements and effectively represent your skills and achievements. Provide examples of positive outcomes that you created for companies in the past. For instance, you can indicate how you contributed to company growth or helped to save or increase money for a company. Download your free guide on “How to State Your Value Proposition.”
Ask Smart Questions
To prepare for a phone or video interview effectively, you must be ready to present thoughtful questions. Asking questions throughout the interview shows that you are interested and engaged. When the interviewer is not the only one posing the questions, it also helps to keep the conversation more balanced. In addition to asking questions throughout the interview, be prepared to ask some at the end to show your continued interest in working with the company. Also inquire about the process and timing for the next steps.
Be Prepared with Information But Avoid Sounding Scripted
When answering interview questions, it can become tempting to read from documents that you have printed out or have on your computer screen. But to avoid sounding scripted, it’s best to memorize your key points and deliver your answers naturally, which will help you to sound more authentic. Below are some of the things that you’ll want to have handy during a phone and video interview:
● Data about the company that you researched, including their mission, history, goals, customers, organizational structure and company culture. You can get information about a company from sources such as their website, social media channels, and other sites such as GlassDoor.
● Don’t forget that to prepare for a phone of video interview effectively, it’s best to get information about the individuals that you will be meeting with. Look up details about them using channels such as LinkedIn.
● You can use the key points in the job description to help position yourself as the best fit for what the company is looking for. Integrate those key points into your interview responses.
● Be prepared with an ice-breaker to get the interview started on a positive note.
Remember Your Intention and the Interests of the Company
When you prepare for a phone or video interview, remember your intention to qualify for the position so that you will be invited for the next steps in the interview process. Focus on what the company will gain from hiring you. Confidently deliver a presentation of your value to the company based on what you’ve learned about them and how you’ll solve their problems and add value.
After an interview, don’t forget to say “thank you” with a great letter to stand out as an exceptional candidate.
