Pass the Screen to Get the Interview

If a potential employer phones, are you ready for a phone screen interview?

It’s important to realize that you are making your first impression over the phone before you ever set foot in an interview room. Many recruiters and hiring managers will spend a few minutes on the phone with candidates in order to decide if the candidate is worth interviewing. As a recruiter, there are a few things that I look for when I’m phoning a candidate, so let me give you a few pointers on how to make a positive first impression.

1. Be positive. Being interested in the job can go a long way in making a good impression. If you sound positive about this job opportunity on the phone, I will be eager to meet you and talk to you in person. On the flip side, if you sound bored, I may be less inclined to bring you in for an interview.

2. Be professional. Don’t answer the phone while you’re driving or in a noisy room. Sounding distracted or having to yell over a noisy environment can create a negative association with you as a candidate. It’s important that you are able to focus on the questions so that you can respond accordingly.

3. Be prepared. Seeing a call from an unknown number on your cell phone could mean a potential employer is calling you. You need to be ready to speak a bit about your experience and why you want to work for their company. This may help the interviewer to verify the information on your resume, to assess your knowledge, or to understand what kind of employee you are.

Planning to make a good impression is your first step to success!

Find more info here on successfully passing a phone screen.

Written by: Karen Styles