Career Information & Tips

How To Succeed In A Phone Interview

Keep your story straight:

Always have a copy of your LRS-formatted resume in front of you during the interview. This will help you quickly verify work history dates and job titles. If you are fuzzy on these details, the interview may be over before it starts.

Stand up for yourself:

In a phone interview, you don’t have the benefit of eye contact and body language. All of your communication must come through your voice. Standing up while you talk improves your voice and helps you project more energy and enthusiasm, the magic ingredient in all interviews.

Minimize interruptions:

Make sure you are in an area where you will not be interrupted and where background noises are at a minimum.

Go ahead — ask for it: When closing, you must ask for the job. When the interviewer says “do you have any final questions?” it’s your chance to ask:

"Is there anything standing in my way for an in-person interview?"

How To Succeed In A Face-To-Face Interview

Know the company:

Always be sure to research the company website before going onsite. Try to get a thorough understanding of the company, the job position, etc. This shows your interest and helps you ask better questions.

Dress professionally:

For men, this usually means a conservative, dark colored business suit and tie with polished shoes. For women, a dark suit or dress with matching shoes is appropriate. When in doubt, ask your recruiter.

Prepare for questions:

Anticipate what questions may be asked of you during the interview and prepare for how you would respond.

Listen before you start selling:

Make sure you understand what is important to the interviewer about the positions before you start describing your qualifications. Remember, your interviewer is trying to fill a specific position; don’t position yourself as a "jack of all trades."

Job Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Arriving late:

Get directions from the interviewer – or a map. Wear a watch and leave home early. If the worst happens and you’re running late, call the interviewer and arrange to reschedule.

Failing to research:

Before the interview, use the Internet to find out the company’s products and services, annual sales, structure and other key information. This shows you are interested in working for the company.

Talk, talk, talk:

Rambling, interrupting the interviewer and answering a simple question with a fifteen-minute reply… all of these can be avoided if you’ve thought through and practiced what you want to communicate.

Bad-mouthing anyone:

Including your current employer, former employer, or the competition. You don’t want to look like a complainer.

Failure to ask for the job:

When the interviewer indicates that the interview is over, convey your interest and ask what the next step is.