Medical Interview Archives

In many cases, a phone interview is the first interaction you will have with a company, usually preceding an in-person or video interview. And the phone interview is also the company’s first chance to get an impression of you – that’s why you want to make it a good one.

Here are five tips to help you stand out and excel at your next phone interview:

#1: Be prepared.

The first rule for phone interviews is the same as it is for any interview: Do your homework ahead of time so that you’re prepared. First, know who you will be speaking with, whether it’s a hiring manager or department head. Brush up on the company itself, including its mission and values, its competitors, and where it sits in the market. Knowing as much as you can ahead of time sets you up for success.

#2: Set up your space.

Choose where you will take the phone call and set the space up accordingly. Remove distractions, pets, kids, computer screens, etc. Have a glass of water nearby, as well as a copy of your resume in front of you. It is wise to print out a copy of the job description, too, so that you can reference it during your call.

#3: Rehearse your success stories.

Inevitably, you will be asked to share some of your victories or successes throughout your past work history. Think about this ahead of time so that you are not caught off guard when the moment comes. Rehearsing your successes in this way helps you to discuss them truthfully and effectively. Of course, you might want to think about a time or two you made a mistake at work, also – and how you overcame those obstacles to turn the negative into a positive.

#4: Come prepared with questions.

At the end of the phone interview, the interviewer will almost certainly ask you if you have any questions for them. Saying “no” is a quick way to appear disinterested or disengaged. Ahead of time, prepare a few questions about the role or the company itself. This shows you are genuinely interested and that you are invested in the job, which puts you a leg up over the competition.

#5: Send a “thank you.”

Within 24 hours of the phone interview, send an email thanking the interviewer for their time, and reiterate how much you appreciated learning about the role and that you are looking forward to the next step. If you really want to make an impression, as well as mailing a handwritten note instead of crafting an email.

Ace Your Next Interview

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You’ve got an interview lined up – congratulations. Since it’s likely you’ll be talking with someone either face to face, on the phone, or over a video call, it’s vital that you make a good first impression. And saying the wrong thing can derail your candidacy before it even gets started.

Here’s what not to do during your next job interview:

#1: Claiming you’ve never made a mistake.

No one’s perfect. Trying to claim you are will only make you look bad. The hiring manager doesn’t want to hear that you’re flawless – they want to hear how you overcome obstacles, admit your failures, and learn from them.

#2: Asking about salary right away.

It’s always a best practice to have the employer mention salary first – that way you can negotiate from there. Asking about salary too soon shows that you’re only in it for the money, and most employers will be quick to stop considering you after that.

#3: Speaking negatively about yourself.

It can be easy to be self-deprecating in an interview, but you want to avoid this. Don’t speak in terms of the things you can’t do; speak in terms of the things you can. You can be honest about your skills and experience without speaking negatively about yourself.

#4: Being too personal.

Unless the conversation veers toward personal things like family and children, it’s best to stay away from them unless the hiring manager goes there first. At this stage, the employer isn’t interested in your personal life – they’re interested in you as a job candidate.

#5: Asking why the position is open.

Avoid asking why the position you’re interviewing for is open. It could touch on an uncomfortable or sensitive subject for the hiring manager. Instead, ask “what does the progression of this role look like?”

#6: Appearing bored or disinterested.

This is a quick way to get yourself written off. Be engaged and listen actively throughout the entire interview to show you’re really interested. Otherwise, you’re shooting yourself in the foot.

#7: Not having any questions.

Almost every interview will wrap up with the hiring manager asking you if you have any questions for them. Saying “no” makes it seem like you’re uninterested or just plain lazy. Come prepared with a few questions ahead of time.

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