Great news. You saw a job you want, sent in a resume, and the employer contacted you for a screening phone interview. You’re looking to do well when they call and you have to answer their questions, but what exactly are they looking for in that phone interview?I’m glad you asked. It will help you to understand what’s behind the employer’s questions – and also how to answer them in a way that increases your chances of being selected for that all-important in-person job interview!So what are employers looking for in a phone interview?
Although it would be great, employers are not going to ask every single candidate who applies to come in for an interview. So phone interviews let the employer screen the most likely candidates (based on their resume / cover letter) to see if they’re a good fit for the job and company.So while I can’t speak for every interviewer, here are some basic things that I look for when I speak with potential candidates:- An easy to understand voice with some strength and energy behind it
- Someone who listens carefully and responds naturally to what I actually asked (not resorting to some “perfect” canned answer)
- A response that shows clarity of thought with a logical, well-reasoned flow of ideas
- A feeling that they have the skills & experience that they say they do on their resume and in their cover letter
- A sense of what they might be like to work with on a daily basis (hopefully pleasant, positive and reliable)
