Phone Interviews: Preparation And Signs It Went Well

By Alexandra Brown on January 31, 2016

A big part of college, especially toward the end, is attempting to decide what you want to do after you graduate. This obviously includes researching and applying to different jobs. A lot of students decide to start the job search process their junior year, but it can also be started senior year as well.

Interviewing is a key part to the job search process, whether it’s an in-person interview on campus or elsewhere, or a phone interview. Phone interviews are usually the first choice of a company or employer that either is not close to where you are located geographically, or that isn’t sure they want to bring someone in for a physical, in-person interview when they don’t even know if the candidate possesses the right communication skills for the position.

Whatever the reason for a phone interview, it’s definitely a crucial first step in the job search process. It’s best to be as prepared as possible. Obviously you’re going to want to start by getting background information on the company with which you’re interviewing. You want to appear eager about what the company is doing and like you know what you’re talking about, not like you’re just a clueless college student.

Once you’ve done your homework you’ll feel a lot more confident. Also have your resume out in front of you so you can comfortably reference it and not stutter over the phone trying to remember specific dates and other details on your resume.

Another critical part of preparing for a phone interview is practicing beforehand. You can do this in front of a mirror, rehearsing what your answers would be to potential questions, or you can practice on the phone with a friend or family member, as the actual interview will be on the phone. All of these practices will ensure that you’re as prepared and confident as possible for your upcoming phone interview.

As for once the interview is completed, the next question is inevitably, how did it go?

Here are five signs a phone interview went well.

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1. The call lasts longer than scheduled.

You can almost always assume your phone interview went at least somewhat well when your call lasts longer than scheduled. If it was supposed to be only a brief, 15-20 minute interview but instead lasts up to a half-hour or longer, you know you did something right.

This must’ve meant you and the interviewer had a lot to talk about and that the employer was interested in what you had to say. It probably meant that you also elaborated on each question they asked, instead of short, straightforward answers, which is great.

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2. The conversation goes off-topic.

Much like number 1 above, if the conversation goes off-topic, that means you and the employer are clicking. They are interested in knowing more about you, and you two are almost bonding over the phone.

If the interview goes slightly off-topic, this probably means you are finding out that you share similar interests with your interviewer and have something in common with them. Establishing this initial, personal connection is great and a sign that your interview went well.

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3. The interviewer uses strong persuasion.

Another way to tell if your phone interview went well is by whether or not the employer attempts to sell you on the company.

If, after a few minutes of questions regarding your resume, where you see yourself, and your prior experience, the interviewer tries to sell you on their company, you can probably make the assumption that they are interested in you, and want to see how interested you are in them.

After your interview, think back and try to remember if the interviewer took some time to really boast about the company by explaining what it is they do, bragging about their accomplishments, and doing whatever they could to get you on board.

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4. The interviewer asks follow-up questions.

There will be the inevitable questions asking your strongest and weakest traits, how you see yourself fitting with the company and where you see yourself in five years, as is pretty standard with most interviews.

If the interviewer finds something interesting about your answers to any of the above questions, though, and asks follow-up questions, it’s pretty safe to say they’re at least interested in hearing more about you.

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5. The interviewer talks about next steps.

If at the end of the interview, after they have heard all of your answers to their questions, the interviewer makes the effort to communicate to you clear-cut next steps, this is a very good sign. They are probably excited about your potential and are making that evident to you by explaining what you should do next.

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