There are all sorts of tips out there for in-person interviews, but what about over the phone? Wearing blue to appear trustworthy won’t get you very far! (Don’t worry; we’ll give you in-person interview tips in our next blog) We’ve spoken with our clients, and here are some things they look for:

1. Always be professional. Some employers will try to trip you up with gossip about competitors or managers to see how you speak about others behind their backs. Be factual but courteous.

2. Research the company. Anyone who asks, “Wait, which company is this for again?” will likely not get the second interview. Know who you’re speaking to, what they do, and why they want you. When in doubt, ask your recruiter!

3. Set a timeframe and stick to it. No employer wants to hire someone who has all the time in the world to shoot the breeze. They want someone who is busy, working hard and producing results. Let them know you’ve set aside time for the interview, but you have a meeting or a phone call at a certain time, and you will need to get off the phone before then.They also want someone who is honest, keeps their promises, knows how to stick to deadlines, and treats their clients with respect.

4. Maintain confidentiality. It can be tempting to drop the name of a major client, but it doesn’t make you look desirable; it makes you look like you don’t respect your clients.

5. Have your resume and deal sheet (if applicable) handy to reference. Know what questions you want to ask and how you want to phrase them.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for the next step. Will there be a second phone interview or will it be in person? When should you expect to hear back?

7. If you have their e-mail, send a thank you within 24 hours. This shows you’re courteous and demonstrates interest in the position.

8. If you have call waiting, turn it off so you’re not interrupted.

9. Follow up with your recruiter. We keep in contact with your potential employer, so the interest you show us is interest we can pass along.

10. Don’t lie or exaggerate. This is a small industry, and lies get found out pretty quickly. You already have the interview; just be yourself. The saying is true: nobody can be you better than you can.

Those are our top ten phone interview tips for you, but they could easily be reduced to one: talk to your recruiter. Your recruiter knows you and them and matched you for a reason. We’re here for you, so call us: (469) 651-1208.