5 Tips to Nail Your Phone Interview
Phone interviews are sometimes harder to prepare for than typical face-to-face interviews. With others vying for the same job, you need to make a great first impression, in order to pass to the next stage of the interview. To do so, just follow these 5 tips:
Have a positive attitude
During your initial phone interview, the projection of a positive attitude is one of the most important things. The interviewer is not sitting in front of you; he cannot detect any non-verbal communication. The more enthusiasm that is detectable in your voice, the better.
Do your Research
Yes, you do need to research the job, the hiring manager, and the facility. Take the time to familiarize yourself with all three; you will be surprised when that information will come in handy.
Avoid controversial subjects
During the phone interview, avoid controversial subjects like politics, world events and religion. While subjects like that rarely ever come up due to discrimination issues, it is best to keep the interview focused on how you are the best candidate for the open position…not pop culture scandals or personal preferences.
Be prepared
The interviewer will ask questions to try to determine whether or not you are a fit for the position in every possible way. Not all of them will be directly related to your skill set. Here are some potential questions, you might be asked. Be prepared with answers for all of them.
- Why are you seeking a change?
- Tell me about yourself?
- What do you know about our city?
- Tell me about your background? accomplishments?
- What are your strengths? weaknesses?
- How would you describe your most recent job performance?
- What interests you about our facility?
- How do you stay professionally current?
- What outside activities are most significant to your personal development?
- Why are you considering leaving your current position?
Ask good questions
Candidates who ask good questions are highly regarded. Sometimes, interviewers equate a lack of questions with a lack of interest. Pick three of the most appropriate questions below to ask:
- What do you like most about working for (fill in blank)?
- Other than a skills match in (fill in blank), what do you look for in an employee?
- What would be my first goal to accomplish in this position?
- What would your employees say it’s like working for you?
- What are the greatest challenges in this position?
- How do you think I would fit in with your staff?
- What do you think the primary reason is for staff leaving?
- How do you motivate your physicians to keep them excited about their jobs?
- Are there any negatives about this job that I might encounter?
This is not the time to ask about pay or question any of the other job parameters – such as location, shift schedule, etc. The purpose of a phone interview is to get asked back for a personal interview. Certain parameters can be negotiated later.
At Snelling Medical, we have the resources to help you nail all your interviews – phone, in-person, even Skype! So visit our Office Locator page to find your local Snelling Medical Professionals office today!
By Christiane Soto, 
