How to Land an In-Person Interview:

8 Tips for Your Best Phone Interview Ever

Tip #1 – Study the Job Description

The most underutilized tool in preparing for job interviews is the job description. The job description
contains a wealth of knowledge to help you prepare for an interview.

Not thoroughly going through the job description is the #1 reason why candidates are rejected.

A good job description will lay out all the essential skills and experience the hiring manager is
looking for. Your job is to be prepared to answer questions about your experience with those
required skills listed in the Job Description.

It’s important to be concise and direct with your answers. Hiring managers are looking for people
who can organize their thoughts and convey information quickly

Tip #2 – Look Over Your Resume and Have It Handy

You got the interview because there was something in your resume that caught the hiring
manager’s eye. Your job is to make sure the interviewer sees that you do have all the experience
listed in your resume.

Be sure to review your resume and have it handy during the interview.

Tip #3 – Research the Most Commonly Asked Questions

Search Google for common interview questions for the position you are applying for. You will be
surprised how many hiring managers get their interview questions by searching online. You will have
a huge advantage knowing and preparing for some of the most common questions.

Glassdoor.com even lists the questions most commonly asked at a specific company. Use this
information to your advantage.

Tip #4 – Research the Company

Take the time to find out what the company does. What types of products or services do they
make? Read their About Us section to get a better idea of their culture. Go through the company
news to get insights on what’s new happening at the company.

The reason you should do this is because many interviewers will ask what you know about the
company. The last thing you want to tell them is “not much.” Showing that you understand their
business will impress the hiring manager and only takes a few minutes.
Tip #5 – Develop Success Stories

Go through your resume and cover letter.

Pick three key work experiences that you’re proud of and that illustrate your relevant skills,
experience, and lessons learned.

Be prepared to talk about:

What were the challenges you faced related to these accomplishments?

What actions did you take to meet those challenges?

Stories are easier for you to remember, and are more compelling to listen to. When asked an
interview question, try to relate your answer back to one of your stories.

Tip #6 – Make a Great First Impression

To start with, make sure you’re ready a few minutes before the interviewer calls you. If you’re at
work, it’s best to go to your car or another comfortable location where you will have some privacy.

When you get the call, answer the phone by saying hello and your name. For example, “Hello, this
is Bryan Smith”. Then say, “Mr. [Interviewer’s last name], thank you for scheduling time with me on
your calendar. I am excited about the [job title] opening.”

Make sure you express your enthusiasm and confidence.

Tip #7 – Ask Questions

Surprisingly, the most common answer to an interviewer’s question, “Do you have any questions for
me?” is NO.

Saying NO tells the hiring manager you are not that interested in the position.

Take the time leading up to the interview to come up with some good questions. This will impress the
hiring manager and will also provide you more information about the job.

Here are some great questions you can ask:

• What does a typical day look like?

• What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
• What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
• What are the most immediate projects that need to be addressed?
• Where do you see the company headed in the next few years?
• What’s your favorite part about working here?

Never ask about benefits or salary (or anything related to what the company will do for you) in this
first round interview. This will be discussed and negotiated once they make you an offer and prior
to you accepting.
Tip #8 – Close Strong and Score the In-Person Interview

Here’s where you want to ask the interviewer if they need any additional information. If there’s
anything you didn’t get to address in the interview, mention it now.

You can see if the interviewer has any concerns by asking, “Is there anything we didn’t cover that
would keep me from getting an in-person interview?” This shows the interviewer you’re serious
about the position and gives you another chance to persuade them that you’re the right choice.

Next, ask how the hiring process works and when you can expect to hear from them regarding an
onsite interview. Also ask if you can follow up at a time you both agree on.

If you feel the interview went well, attempt to set a time for the in-person meeting. You can say
something like “I’m very interested in learning more about this opportunity and would like to meet
in person to discuss it further. When’s a good time to get together?” You would be surprised how
often are candidates are able to set the in person interview during the phone interview.

There you have it. If you follow these 8 tips you will easily increase your chances of getting an in-
person interview by as much as 300%. Treat the phone interview with the same seriousness and
preparation that you would give to an in-person interview.

Remember, this could be the first step to the best job you’ve ever had!

Best of luck to you!