Congratulations! The employer liked what they saw on your resume, and now you have the chance to tell the employer more about you. Phone interviews are often used to screen the candidates and find out more about their experience, salary expectations, and fit for the company. Phone interviews can range anywhere from 10-45 minutes. Before scheduling the interview, the employer should tell you how long it will take and what to expect. Follow these steps to learn how to prepare for a phone interview.
Companies will contact you via email or telephone to set up a phone interview. When they reach out to schedule, ensure that you know all the receive necessary details. You should always confirm the date, time (time zone), and who will call who. Typically, the interviewer will call the interviewee to conduct the interview, but it never hurts to confirm this with the interviewer beforehand. Ensure that you have given the interviewer the correct phone number where you can be reached.
When it is time for the call, make sure you are in a quiet place where you can focus. Have your notes and questions at the ready. Be yourself, and be confident, YOU got this!
Researching the company you are applying to is helpful for a few reasons. Your research will help you in the interview and show the employer that you took the time to do your “homework” beforehand.
Firstly, it is essential to know the company to ensure that it will be a good fit for you. Through your research, you might find that you have more in-depth questions that you want to ask, write these down, and save them for the interview. You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Ensure that the position and the company are the right fit for you.
Secondly, researching the company is essential to show the employer that you care about the interview and are genuinely interested in the position. One common question in any interview is, “what do you know about the company?” or “why are you interested in working at company X?” These questions allow you to show the interviewer that you did your research and are interested in the position. Through your research, find aspects of the company that you are genuinely interested in. Some examples include a company’s community involvement, awards they have received, or articles about the company and what they are about.
When conducting a phone interview, it is helpful to keep a copy of your resume in front of you. Common questions include “tell me about your qualifications” or “can you further explain your experience” this allows you to expand on what was on your resume. Know why you are a perfect fit for the position and tell the interviewer your history.
Resumes only give the interviewer a brief look at your job history and qualifications. Interviews used to get to know you and your qualifications more. Don’t merely recite what is on your resume, talk about something they don’t know, or expand on a point that is important on your resume. If a job posting specifically states they want an employee who is experienced with Microsoft Excel, then talk about a time you used Excel to solve a problem. Relate your experience to the job posting every chance you get.
Phone interviews are one of the first steps in the interview process. Your resume/cover letter got you here, and now it is your turn to show the employer why you want the position and why you are the best fit for the job.
GOOD LUCK!
Now, you know how to prepare for a phone interview. Remember, if you are a CanScribe graduate, you have resume/cover letter support for life. If you are having difficulty getting to the phone interview stage, contact us today! We can help you improve your resume to help you land a phone interview AND your dream job!
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Robert was born in Midland, Ontario on January 11, 1953 and passed away in Nanaimo on November 20, 2009. Robert was the youngest of three. I was the oldest, Doug was the middle child. Our mother and father were divorced when we were very young. Our mother remarried a man who had three sons and then another girl and another boy was born. So there was eight of us altogether. Robert moved to Toronto, Ontario after high school and worked in various jobs there. He then moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1976 and on to British Columbia in 1977. He lived in Vancouver, Victoria, and finally resided in Nanaimo. Robert had a great sense of determination and optimism. The more he could learn, the happier he was. He continued his education in B.C. at Simon Fraser University. He also took courses in the culinary field and worked as a chef for many years. He also studied law and worked as a paralegal. He studied religions and languages (he could speak many languages) and took many computer courses. He took a Medical Terminology Course, and Emergency First Aid which included CPR.
Unfortunately, Robert's health was never great. He was born a "Blue Baby" and not expected to live. He lived with the HIV virus and with cancer. This was a big factor in his determination to be able to work at home and was why he was taking the Medical Transcription course. Robert was involved with various charitable organizations for many, many years. He cooked numerous meals at food kitchens for the homeless, especially at Christmas and other holidays. He spent time at various senior centers, volunteering, and visiting the residents there. He was an active volunteer at the Nanaimo Parole Citizen Advisory Committee and one of the outstanding jobs he completed for them was their Committee By-laws.
I am very proud of the things that my brother achieved in his lifetime. I have received so many letters, calls and cards since his passing, all of them telling me how much he was liked and how much he will be missed. Robert spent most of his time helping others. I'm attaching a couple of pictures, one when he was very young. If there is any other information you need, please let me know. Thank you again for setting up this scholarship. It means so much to me that his name will carry on. And I know he would be extremely pleased that his name was helping others. That was his number one goal in his life - to help others.
By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent for CanScribe Career College to contact you regarding our programs via email, telephone, and/or text. You may withdraw your consent at any time.