Common Etiquette of Phone Screens (or you would think it should be common knowledge)
Over the past couple years, I conducted over 100 phone screens for my and other's teams.Phone screens are the first time that I get to hear a candidate and talk to them. Besides the resume which helps me choose whether to phone screen, the phone screen gives me the knowledge to know if I should bring someone in for an in person interview.
Fortunately, most phone screens go well. However, some do not. Below are my 10 tips to make your phone screen as best as possible.
For Vendors: Take note, because many of your candidates are guilty of not doing the following.
Answer the Phone with your Name. For instance, "This is Ebony" is the first thing I say if I'm expecting a call. Here's why. I don't want someone to butcher my name (yes, it is only 5 letters, but trust me, there are many ways I hear it pronounced). Second, as an interviewer, I may not know how to pronounce your name. Make me feel comfortable, so I can skip the first few seconds asking about pronunciation, and we can focus on seeing if you're a great fit for the job.
Use a Landline if Possible. One of the most popular commercials years (and years) ago had the tagline "Can you hear me now?" and there was a reason for it resonating among millions of people. No, I can't hear you now, and even if so, if you have to ask, there's a problem. My advice: find a landline. Granted, I know it can be difficult these days (I have one phone and it's my cell phone). So, if you're planning on using a cell phone. Call some friends using that cell from the exact location you'll be taking the phone screen. You want to make sure you get good reception. And, if you choose to use a cell phone, don't blame me for the fact that you hear an echo or I'm cutting out. I'm on a landline, and most companies will be. Plus, you're being interviewed by me, which means stay away from pointing fingers at me. Instead, work on getting the issue solved or next time prepare like I mention here.
Be Ready for the Phone Screen. You should not have to tell me to wait while you go find a room, finish a task, or get off another call. Phone screens are scheduled (or should be), so be prepared.
Prepare for Common Questions. Some of these include: "Tell me about yourself", "Tell me about your last job", "Why do you think you'll be good for this position?", "What do you like about our company?"... Most importantly, as you're preparing, make sure that your answers apply to the job for which you're being phone screened.
Answer Concisely while Selling Yourself. Phone screens aren't hours long (or mine aren't), so I want to get a good grasp on who you are and how you will fit into this company. Give me what I will find important. At the same time, sell yourself! 30-45 minutes isn't as long as you would think. Sometimes, if you haven't sold yourself in half that time, you could be cut short from finishing.
Listen, Listen, Listen. I want to know certain information about you so listen to the question and answer that question. So many times, interviewees don't even answer or address the questions I ask. That proves to me that you most likely won't be able to take direction, or listen to others or even work together competently on a team.
Answer honestly. If you don't know an answer, say you are not familiar with that concept, but will follow up on it. I put this on here because it's funny how many people try to get over on me. I can hear you typing in the background trying to google an answer. I can tell when you put me on mute to look something up or maybe ask someone who is there with you. I will cut a phone screen short if it doesn't seem like you're being honest with me.
Lessen the Silence. Long pauses on a phone call can be detrimental by seeming much longer than they really are. Since I can't see you, I don't know if you're thinking, yawning, or just sitting there dazed and confused. Try not to have pauses longer than two seconds. If you're figuring out an answer to a technical question, explain how you're getting that answer. This will lessen the silence, and give the interviewer an idea on your thought process.
Don't Ask Unnecessary Questions. The phone screen is only the first part of the interview process for many. This means that there's still more to do. Stay away from asking questions right now about salary, vacation, work hours, etc. This only tells me that you're more worried about that instead of what the job entails or what kind of culture we have, etc.
Give a Firm Handshake. Yes, I know you're on the phone and can't give a physical handshake, but end the call as if you are giving me a handshake and thanking me for my time. I recommend to interviewees I coach to extend their hand and pretend they're giving the person on the other line a handshake. As an interviewer, I don't know you're extending your hand, but your tone of voice will say so. By giving thanks for my time and speaking with you, it shows gratitude and respect.
