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PHONE INTERVIEW DO’S AND DON’TS

Posted on March 19, 2020

With the daily increase of interviews being changed from Face-to-Face to virtual/online interviews, our team at SnapDragon Associates thought it would be beneficial to review some interview Do’s and Don’ts to ensure a successful interview and significantly increase your chances of getting the job!

PHONE INTERVIEW DO’S:

  • Do make sure you are in place with good cell service
  • Do your research and know the type of job interview you will be encountering
  • Do prepare and practice for the interview, but don’t memorize or over-rehearse your answers
  • Do plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable. If you are running late, do phone the company
  • Be patient if you have to wait a few minutes before your meeting begins
  • If presented with a job application, do fill it out neatly, completely, and accurately
  • Do greet the interviewer(s) by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. (If you’re not sure, ask the receptionist about the pronunciation before going into the interview)
  • Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s)
  • Do show enthusiasm in the position and the company
  • Do avoid using poor language, slang, and pause words (such as “like,” “uh,” “dude” and “um”)
  • Do avoid controversial topics
  • Do be prepared to discuss “blemishes” on your resume. Example: short stint at a job, job hops, etc.
  • Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner
  • Do stress your achievements. Don’t offer any negative information about yourself
  • Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing
  • Do show what you can do for the company rather than what the company can do for you
  • Do ask intelligent questions about the job, company, or industry. Questions concerning goals of the company, metrics used to measure success, etc. shows interest in the company and position
  • Do close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job and asking about the next step in the process. (Some experts even say you should close the interview by asking for the job)
  • Ask when it would be appropriate to follow up on the meeting or when you should be hearing back from the company
  • Do try and get business cards from each person you interviewed with — or at least the correct spelling of their first and last names. And don’t make assumptions about simple names — was it Jon or John — get the spelling correct
  • Do immediately take down notes after the interview concludes so you don’t forget crucial details
  • Do write thank you letters or e-mail within 24 hours to each person who interviewed you

PHONE INTERVIEW DON’TS:

  • Don’t drive during the interview. If you take the call while in the car, pull over before
  • Don’t chew gum during the interview
  • Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, or other benefits until after you’ve received an offer. Be prepared for a question about your salary requirements but do try and delay salary talk until you have an offer
  • Don’t answer cell phone calls during the interview, better yet, leave it in your car and if you must have it with you, silence it
  • Don’t answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” Describe those things about yourself that showcase your talents, skills, and determination. Give examples.
  • Don’t bring up or discuss personal issues or family problems
  • Don’t respond to an unexpected question with an extended pause or by saying something like, “boy, that’s a good question.” Repeat the question out loud or ask for the question to be repeated to give you a little more time to think about an answer. Also, a short pause before responding is okay
  • Don’t ever lie. Answer questions truthfully and succinctly. Don’t over-answer questions
  • Don’t say anything negative about former colleagues, supervisors, or employers
  • Don’t be soft-spoken. A forceful voice projects confidence, but don’t come off as aggressive
  • Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment
  • Don’t tell jokes during the interview
  • Don’t rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. No matter how qualified you are for the position, you will need to sell yourself to the interviewer