Due to social distancing, we are all living in a digital age these days. We are working from home. Our kids are doing school from home. All of our meetings are done via virtual conferences. Along with a majority of hiring and interviews being done by phone. It can be overwhelming I know, but it’s important to know this is going to be like a new normal moving forward. The digital business world is booming bigger than ever and you will want to be a part of all the awesome things going on.
Maybe you already have an interview, or several, lined up right now and you are trying to figure out how to crush it. Let me tell you about my first phone interview. I was interviewing for a retail marketing position that allowed me to travel around the state providing marketing services for various brands. This was unlike every other interview I had ever done for the simple fact I could not read anyone’s expressions. There is something about having eye contact and getting to see the response to your answers that is hard to do without. I will say that you can totally let that personality shine through on your phone interview. You will just want to show up prepared and here are some tips for how to do just that.
1.) Read the company’s About Page
Every company has a mission. You can generally find this information located on the about page of their website. It is critical that you start here before even applying with a company just to see if its something that you want to contribute your time to. You really want to work for a company that inspires you so that you will enjoy going to work every day.
For my friends that feel like work is just a part of the day to dread, PLEASE spend some time on my blog so you can discover your passion. I promise that a life where you get to do what you love and get paid for your skills, it EXISTS. You deserve to know that life. So do yourself, and the company you are applying for a favor and visit those about me pages. This will allow you to showcase why you would be a good fit for that company.
2.) Print out the job qualifications as well as the description.
Have you ever read a job description and wondered “Gee, do they want a kidney too?” I know I get overwhelmed, or maybe just feel underqualified after reading some of them. Keep in mind that the qualities are just eloquently put, you hold a lot of them already. That is why they selected you for an interview. I recommend having these on hand during your phone interview so you already have a great idea of what they are wanting to hear about when getting to know you.
4.) Have a conversation
The interview process is just as much for you as it is about the company that is trying to hire you. This is the time when you get to see if this would be a good life decision at the same time they are being sold on your qualities. No one wants super staged responses and for you to let them do all of the talking. Have some follow up questions ready to show that you are interested in what they have to offer you. I have always landed the best job roles when I let go of the nerves, did not try and stage my responses, and just let my internal light shine while talking to my potential new boss.
All you need to do is tell them why you are the best person for that job with all of your answers. Rule of thumb in an interview, if you don’t have a true story on the spot, MAKE ONE UP! It is always a million times better to have some kind of answer than none at all. Be careful when doing this though, you don’t want to be fooled into shining a light on a negative quality. All of your responses should show how you triumphed through the situation or problem you are describing. Just like you will do for them!
#5.) Be in Your Element
I know it could be so easy to nail this interview in your pajamas. After all, the entire world is now working in them, right? WRONG! There is something so powerful about starting your day off with a hot shower. Going through your entire makeup routine. Selecting the perfect outfit and shoes that scream success to the world. Or at least make you feel like a success when you wear it.
Fix your hair, grab your coffee, and get in that professional mindset prior to your interview. When you feel good, you perform well. I have heard so many women say that they will still interview in heels. Even the interviews where no one can see them. The reason being is because it makes them feel powerful and bossy. Even if the interview is over the phone, you should still give the effort of dressing for the job. It will give you that winner spirit you need to CRUSH THAT PHONE INTERVIEW!
I hope even just one of these tips helps you to feel prepared. Know that you are not alone in feeling nervous. No matter how many interviews you go on, there will still be butterflies at the next one. Trust that when you do the research, prepare some stories beforehand, there is nothing to worry about. I have full faith that you are going to rock that interview friend!
When you do, please come back and leave a comment or shout me out on social media to tell me about it! I would love to congratulate you!
