Work Coach Cafe

Dear Work Coach,

I am looking for a new job and was wondering if you would be able to provide any hints on phone interviews. Unfortunately we are unable to see the recruiter and cannot rely on visual cues.

I just had a phone interview 2 days ago (screening candidates) and felt things went well. This is a first phase interview and successful candidates are then sent for an on-site interview. She did say at the end of the interview that she would certainly recommend me for an in-person interview and wished me good luck.

How long would it take (if I am selected for a 2nd interview) to receive a phone call?

Thanks!

NB

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Hi NB!

I’m so glad you asked. This is the third question about phone interviews I’ve gotten this week. Must be in the air!

Truth is…there is no absolute answer to your question about how soon you’ll hear from them. When I did phone interviews (and I’ve done a lot), I usually called people back for the in-person within a week or two. But it depended on how available internal folks were to interview as well as other things.

In my own career when I’ve interviewed for a job, I’ve gotten the call as soon as a day later or, in one case, THREE MONTHS LATER! Now the latter is not common, but my point is there is no absolute rule here. On average, it’s not unusual for it to take a week or two.

The fact that you got good feedback on your phone interview is very hopeful. I know when I do phone interviews, I try to give the person a sense of how they did. If there is absolutely no chance, I only thank them and wish them well. So at the very least, we can assume she’s passing you on with a big plus next to your name. It’s still up to the decision-makers as to whom they actually call in for an interview.

I wish you luck with the job and hope the call comes quickly. Just be patient. All kinds of things can be going on at the other side that you know nothing about and has nothing to do with you. Main thing is that you did the best you could and got a good review from the screener. The screener knows what the company is looking for and whether there is a good chance of a good fit.

As for some hints about phone interviews, the basics for me are:

• Listen carefully (paying attention to vocal cues)
• Respond with good energy and sincerity
• Ask questions if you don’t understand. (Really. It’s ok.)
• Just be yourself

It helps to prepare a few real-life stories about things you’ve done that show something special about yourself (just like you would for an in-person interview) and use them ONLY if and when needed. If you already have work experience, use stories about yourself in work mode. Otherwise, look to other things you’ve accomplished that show how resourceful, determined, and creative you can be.

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of phone interviews for any reason, remember the old joke:

Tourist: Excuse, me. How do I get to Carnegie Hall?

New Yorker: Practice. Practice. Practice.

And that goes for interviews too. Practice with a friend or even a tape recorder until it feels more natural. But whatever you do, try not to memorize an answer! That would only work against you. Just practice being natural and spontaneous. The interviewer knows what they are looking for. So just let them see who you are. If you pretend to be something you aren’t, not only will you come across phony, but you will just be wasting everyone’s time.

No matter what you may have heard, it is NOT a good career move to use exact answers you read somewhere. (Although they can help you come up with your own.) And don’t worry about sounding a little nervous. We get that all the time. It never stopped me from calling someone in for a face-to-face interview if I liked them. But hearing someone give me stock answers or go on and on bragging about how unbelievably great they are almost always leads to a BIG NO! (Telling about your successes with pleasant enthusiasm is not bragging. There is a difference.)

So…and I can’t say this enough…just be real. Listen carefully and speak clearly, imagining yourself as the person they really need and want. If you believe it, good chance they will!

Good luck!

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