Ready to take on a new job assignment? At Friday Services, we can handle the complete interview process by phone, by Zoom app, or by a combination of both. The expert recruitment team at Friday Services can help you determine whether a job prospect matches your working skill set and your availability. A call can help sort out everything you’ll want to know.
Your resume may be outstanding, but it can be challenging to pitch yourself for a position over a quick phone interview. And today, phone interviews are a standard part of the interview screening process – to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for an in-person interview. Experts agree that nailing the first 15 seconds of a phone interview can make the difference between getting a second interview or not. With a little organization and preparation, you can make a great first impression and land a second interview.
Prepping Before the Phone Call
Our first phone interview typically involves getting to know your background and work experience:
- Work History – What’s your background in the manufacturing industry and how does it apply to the open position?
- Heavy Equipment – What type of industrial equipment do you have experience operating?
- Driving Credentials – Are you certified to drive commercial vehicles?
- Industry Certification – Do you hold any specialized professional certification?
We’ll also need to know a few things about your requirements:
- Availability – What shifts are you open to working?
- Accessibility – How far away from home are you willing to work?
- Compensation – How much do you expect to be paid?
Prepare your personal pitch – Know your value in the job market, but also be sure to adapt your pitch to match the company’s specific needs and challenges – as outlined in the job qualifications, or as you have discovered in your research.
Demonstrate how you’re a great match – Here are some important questions that can help you prepare your pitch:
- How can I actively demonstrate my ability rather than simply talking about it?
- What specific problem-solving stories do I have that demonstrate my experience?
- What are some quantifiable outcomes I’ve helped to achieve in past positions that help prove my ability for this position?
Practice interviewing – Ask a friend to act like your interviewer. Supply them with sample questions (you can Google top interview questions) and record the interview so you can debrief, critique and revisit your responses. Then, practice in front of a mirror. And practice with a smile – your enthusiasm will translate over the phone of Zoom app. The more experience you have, the more comfortable you will become.
Check your reception – Assure that your device and or/your app is working.
Find a quiet spot – A private, comfortable spot will help you focus on your interview, without distractions – like children chattering, barking dogs or traffic noise.
How to Answer the Phone?
Keep your tone upbeat and enthusiastic. A smile will show through in your tone of voice. This lets the interviewer know that you are genuinely interested in the position.
Practice active listening. This allows you to respond to the interviewer’s comments, concerns, and questions specifically. Focus on the interviewer and be careful not to interrupt.
Take notes. Your recruiter is likely to discuss a number of open positions with you. This is a good sign to our manufacturing clients that you are interested. And this will also help you stay focused and ask relevant questions about the positions that pique your interest. Looking back at your notes will give you an opportunity to help decide which position would be the best fit for you.
Speak confidently. Be sure to speak clearly, enunciate and avoid stammering.
Ask questions. This shows that you are truly engaged in the interview. And don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you’re not sure what the interviewer is asking.
Take your time. Don’t worry if it takes you a few moments to form a good response – especially when addressing challenging questions. Better to take your time than to stutter and fumble over an answer. And it actually shows you have carefully and respectfully considered their question.
How to Handle the End of the Call
Always thank the interviewer for the interview and be sure to ask about next steps.
Say something like:
“Thank you so much for your time. It was great speaking with you. What are your next steps in the process, and when can I expect to hear from you?”
Follow Up After Your Interview
Good candidates will often follow up with a phone call asking for updates about the hiring process and if any decisions have been made. Be sure to send a “Thank You” note immediately telling the interviewer you appreciate their time, assuring them of your interest in the position and briefly demonstrating how you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Use this opportunity to offer any information you may not have mentioned during the interview that reinforces how your experience, education and qualifications make you the best person for the job.
Friday Services
At Friday Services, we’re in the business of bringing the right people to the right job – every time. We make it our mission to share the newest, best practices and training to help make workers and employers more productive, competitive and successful. Friday Services is here to help – contact us today!
