what NOT to do on a phone interview

Phone interviews are an critcal part of the job application process, and can often make or break your chances of securing the position. While there are several options to help prepare for a phone interview, it is equally important to be concious of common errors that can sabotage your efforts. One of the most common mistakes is talking too much or elaborating on irrelevant talking points. To overcome this, remember to stay concise in your responses, repeat the question if necessary; this will help you stay on topic and only elaborate when it helps deliver a full response. 

In this blog post, we will explore other common mistakes and what not to do on a phone interview, plus offer tips for making a strong impression.

1. Don't sound unprepared: One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a phone interview is to sound unprepared. This can include forgetting important details about the position, stumbling over your words, or failing to research the company beforehand. To avoid sounding unprepared, take the time to review the job description, research the company, and prepare a list of questions you would like to ask.
2. Don't speak too quickly: Speaking too quickly can make it difficult for the interviewer to understand what you are saying and make you feel nervous or unconfident. To avoid speaking too quickly, take a deep breath before answering each question, and take your time to articulate your thoughts clearly.
3. Don't multitask: It can be tempting to multitask during a phone interview, especially at home or in a comfortable environment. However, multitasking can be a major distraction and can stop you from fully engaging with the interviewer. To avoid multitasking, find a quiet, distraction-free environment for your interview, and focus your full attention on the conversation.
4. Don't interrupt the interviewer: Interrupting the interviewer can be seen as disrespectful and can create an awkward dynamic. To avoid interrupting the interviewer, wait for them to finish their question or statement before responding, and take a moment to formulate your response before speaking.
5. Don't forget to follow up: Following up with a thank you note or email after the phone interview is important. This can help reinforce your interest in the position and keep you in mind with the interviewer. To avoid forgetting to follow up, remind yourself to follow up with a a thank you email within 24 hours of the interview.

In conclusion, a phone interview can be the perfect chance to highlight your skills and personality to a potential employer. By eliminating these common mistakes, you can improve your chances of making a strong impression and advancing on to the next stage of the hiring process. So remember to prepare, speak clearly, focus your attention, listen actively, and follow up, and you'll be prepared for acing your next phone interview!

Finally, if you need a chance to practice your phone interview skills, our team of recruiters are waiting, reach out to us here on the website or on LinkedIn.

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