Beware: Phone Screen Ahead

We’d officially like to set the record straight on phone screens and want the world to know that they are more than just an easy pre-evaluation for job seekers.  That’s right, HR departments have upped the ante when it comes to the phone screen. In fact, most are treating them as an actual full-blown interview and for good reasons.  So what does that mean for you, the job seeker? It means that you can no longer be casual about your preparedness for a phone screen.  Sorry to break it to you, but you have to prepare just as much for a phone screen now-a-days as you do for a face-to-face interview. 

Before you start to panic, let’s go ahead and get a little refresher on the purpose of the phone screen in general.  A phone screen is an interview that is conducted in which a recruiter or hiring manager delves into your resume and experience to get an introductory perspective of your behaviors and skills via a phone conversation. What used to be only a 20 to 30 minute conversation can now be an hour phone call in which you are required to discuss your full work history.  You will also be expected to cite examples and instances that illustrate your strengths and demonstrates how you handled past situations.  Don’t be surprised if you are quizzed on your knowledge of the company and industry in which you are interviewing for as well.

So why is there such a strong emphasis on the phone screen all of a sudden? Glad you asked!  Many organizations are noticing an influx of a highly qualified candidate pool, so they’ve raised the stakes in the phone screen to allow them to dig deeper and fish out the best talent.  It is an employer’s market right now, and they can be pickier when it comes to selecting their talent.  Evaluating candidates via the phone is also an area for employers to cut recruiting costs.  Now, when a candidate actually comes in to a physical location to meet a hiring manager, recruiters have already combed through every detail to ensure they are an absolute fit. 

To make certain that you are “that” fit and make it to the 2^nd round of interviews, be sure to follow these cardinal rules:

   - Find a comfort zone: For a successful phone screen, it’s imperative that you ditch the distractions and confine yourself to a quiet room to avoid noise interference and allow you to keep your focus. 

   - Put yourself in motion: It’s been proven that people speak more clearly and confidently when walking around while on the phone. Get yourself up out of the chair and walk!

   - Do your research: Before any type of interview, whether it be phone screen, Skype or face-to-face, you must always do your homework and research the organization and position you are applying for.  There is a strong chance that you will be asked to display your knowledge on this topic at some point during the interview.  Write down some quick facts as a guide to help you through the interview.

   - Map out your talking points: You all know the drill; there are standardized questions that seem to pop up in all interviews.  Print that list out and create a few talking points to help keep your responses poised and to the point.  The key is to avoid long-winded answers that don’t directly answer the question and to help you to avoid the “oh shoot, I have to think up an answer on the spot” tone in your voice.   Some topics that you might want to have on hand include: your passions, areas of improvement, your goals and aspirations, interest in the company/position and the value you can bring to their team.

  - Follow up with questions: It is inevitable that you will be asked, at the close of every interview, if you have any questions.  Prospective employers like to know that you are just as eager to learn about them and the job at hand as they are about getting to know you.  Make sure to have 4-5 audible ready to be prepared for this question.

  - Don’t forget your manners: We shouldn’t have to say this but proper phone etiquette is a must in your phone screen.  Never put an interviewer on hold, always allow them to finish speaking before you give a response and speak clearly so your interviewer can hear all of your responses.

Don’t find yourself caught off guard next time you are a part of a phone screen.  Remember the cardinal rules of doing your research and being fully prepared to answer any and all questions that could potentially come your way during your phone screen.  Failing to do so could cost you….A JOB!