In today’s job market, it is more common than ever to be asked to complete a phone interview. Whether you are searching for your first financial modeling job, or looking for your next career step, you will want to be prepared for the possibility of a phone interview. As a financial modeling job candidate, being prepared for a phone interview is an important part of your job search.
Though it is an interview, a phone interview must be approached in the right way in order to be successful. In addition to preparing for the interview as you would any other interview, you need to keep a few things in mind if asked to participate in a phone interview. Following these tips will make your phone interview a success.
- Be on Time. This means that if you are to call at a specific time or told you will be called by the interviewer during a particular time window, you need to be ready to make or receive the call and don’t be late. If you are the one to make the call, do not be too early. A few minutes before the time is acceptable but you do not want to sit on hold any more than the interviewer wants to look at a blinking hold light on their phone.
- Have Your Notes Ready. One of the advantages of the phone interview is that you can have your notes in front of you to help you stay on track, give you key words to answer questions, or have a list of ready to go questions when you are asked if you have any questions. Take advantage of this aspect of phone interviews and have your notes ready and legible.
- Keep Background Noise to a Minimum. Remember, you are on the phone and background noise can be distracting to the interviewer. This is especially true if you plan to use a cellular phone, as cell phones tend to pick up every noise in the background. Be sure to be in a quiet place, turn off televisions and radios, and keep family members out of the room during your interview.
- Dress Up and Don’t Slouch. Though you may be tempted to interview in your pajamas while lying on the couch, this can be a bad decision on your part. You will feel more confident and therefore project that confidence and professionalism if you are dressed and sitting up straight or standing during the interview. Don’t let something as petty as assuming a couch potato stance be the reason you don’t get a second interview.
Following these tips help you prepare for your phone interview and get you through it with flying colors. Being prepared for any type of interview will help you feel confident and possibly help you land that next financial modeling job.