Prepare For Phone Screen Interview

What Is The Phone Screen Interview Like At Google

The technical phone interview at Google follows an initial phone screening, conducted by a recruiter to glean background information about your profile, the role applied for, and reasons for the same. At this stage, you will be assessed based on your profile and prospective role requirements.

Once shortlisted, you will be required to complete an online survey form and choose interview dates as well as the programming language you would like to use for the interview.

Note: On confirming an interview date, recruiters usually email candidates with information on the upcoming interview process, along with resources such as text documents and videos to prepare for the same.

Is The Phone Screen Necessary

A phone screen is a valuable way to evaluate candidates quickly. However, its only one step in the recruitment process. In many cases, the candidate will still need to meet with the hiring manager to get hired.

While phone screens may seem quick and easy to narrow down a large pool of applicants, they arent necessarily more efficient than traditional methods. According to the Randstad study, over 50% of employers said they would rather conduct multiple face-to-face interviews than use phone screens.

In addition, a phone screen provides a different opportunity to observe the candidates personality and communication style than a face-to-face interview. It might miss opportunities to learn more about the candidates strengths and weaknesses.

So while a phone screen is a good first step, it shouldnt be considered a replacement for a full round of interviews. If you feel uncomfortable meeting the hiring manager in person, consider scheduling additional phone or video interviews instead.

Foundational Get To Know You Questions

Start by asking the candidate basic get to know you questions. This helps to break the ice and gives insight into who the candidate is. Here are some examples of questions you can ask:

• Can you tell me about yourself?
• Why are you leaving your current position?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What type of work environment do you prefer?
• What does DEI mean to you?

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Best Practices For Making It Past The Phone Screen Interview

Anyone searching for a job knows that to get an actual interview, you usually have to make it past the phone screen first. Whether the recruiter is calling or youre starting it off with a hiring manager, the phone interview is the gateway, and how you perform will determine whether or not you get to go through those gates .

Phone screen interviews are interesting because they can sometimes feel a little less formal, especially when talking to a friendly recruiter and not the actual hiring manager for the position. Because of this, its easy to slip into the mindset that you can show up less prepared or let your guard down a little bit, but that would be a mistake. Every interview is equally important for getting a job, and if you dont take the phone screen seriously, you could spoil your chances of landing a job before you even get your foot in the door.

So, when a recruiter gets in touch with you to schedule a phone screen, the best thing you can do is do your research, get prepared, and show up ready to rock it and move forward in the process.

Be Professional In Your Answers

Melissa Hirsch, principal recruiter at Betts, warns, While this seems to be obvious, sometimes candidates will get a little too comfortable with their interviewer. Just because your interviewer might be laid back doesnt mean you can be. Sometimes its a trap to see if you can maintain your professionalism.

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Don’t Leave Them Hanging

The above phone interview tips can help you get through an awkward call. Remember to relax. The more uncomfortable you feel, the more trouble you’ll have convincing the interviewer you’re the one for the job. But a little preparation can help you shine throughout the entire interview process. Could you use some help planning your answers? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you’ll get interview insights, career advice, and job search tips sent straight to your inbox. You’ll learn how to impressively answer common questions in ways that showcase your strengths and enthusiasm. Its like having a job coach in your corner every step of the way.

Get Clear On The Details

This means knowing:

• The time of your phone interview
• Who exactly youll be speaking with and their role
• What number theyll be calling from
• What number theyll be calling you at
• Any other contact information you may need if the call drops

If this wasnt spelled out to you, just ask! Theres nothing wrong with getting some clarity on something that affects both of your schedules .

You can send the following email:

Hi ,

Im excited to speak with you on ! I just wanted to double check what time were chatting at and what number youll be calling from. Please let me know if theres anything else you need from me before our call.

Thanks so much!

Or you can follow up on your previous conversations with:

Hi ,

Just confirming were chatting on at and youll be calling me at /Ill be calling you at ? Let me know if I have that schedule wrong.

Thanks,

Oh, and if you need to reschedule for whatever emergency reason, use this email template and be proactivein other words, dont wait until the last second to cancel if you can help it.

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Be Willing To Discuss Salary

Now, this is a tricky one. It’s not easy to discuss salary as you don’t want to lowball yourself, but avoiding this conversation altogether can only backfire. Recruiters and hiring managers ask about salary for a reason: They don’t want to waste your time if your expected salary is much higher than what the hiring company is willing to pay.

Some candidates like to beat around the bush when it comes to this question. They go through the entire interview process without giving an answer until the very end. This is the worst thing you could do! If your salary demand is much higher than what the company is offering, not only have you wasted the recruiter’s time, but you have also made a bad impression on someone who can introduce you to better jobs in the future. Be honest about what you’re willing to earn so that you can focus on other job openings if this one doesn’t work for you.

Where To Go From Here

Now that you know what to expect in a phone screen interview, practice putting that knowledge to work. Imagine the company you most want to work for has set a date for a phone screen for a role youd really enjoy.

Phew, that was a lot of work! It may seem overboard for a short conversation but its worth it. While youre waiting for a response, dont take your foot off the gas. Reflect on how that screen went and apply those learnings to the next. If there was an aspect you stumbled over, make sure to practice. Consider running a mock interview with a loved one. Finally, dont forget to do something kind for yourself: Screens can be emotionally trying.

Soon youll be able to juggle many phone screens at once, and one will resolve into an invitation to advance.

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Questions To Ask During A Phone Interview

Phone interviews are also an excellent time to ask the interviewer questions that will help you decide if the company would be the right fit for you. So take advantage of this opportunity! Asking questions shows youre interested in the position and can help you figure out whether or not the company is a good fit for you.

A great question to ask is what sorts of challenges or tasks youd be expected to face in the position. Dr. Tasia White, high-performance coach and founder of Vonni Coaching & Consulting, LLC says, This question shows that the interviewee has a vested interest in the position. It also gives them the perfect opportunity to share the skills they would use to address tasks/challenges, or highlight experiences the interviewee has dealing with those specific tasks/challenges.

Asking questions can help you evaluate the environment youd be working in and give you critical insights into how the company treats and evaluates its employees.

Some great questions to ask include:

Make A Note Of The Interview Details

When you’re invited to have a phone interview, make sure you know the:

• date and time of the interview
• name of the person who will be calling you
• name of the company
• role you’re applying for – this is important if you have more than one interview arranged

You should also check that the company has the right phone number to reach you on the day.

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What Do You Know About Our Company

The answer to this question shows a recruiter or manager that you have a genuine interest in working for a company and that you’re aware of the company’s activities, values, and mission. Research the company ahead of time to spark ideas for questions to ask during the phone interview and assess whether there is a culture fit.

Example answer:âYour companyâs focus on sustainability resonates with me, as it’s a cause I care about. I’m also excited about the companyâs expansion into new markets and would love to be a part of the growth.â

Tips For Successful Phone Screening Interviews

Since you may not know when to expect the telephone interview, it is critical that you do not wait to prepare for the interview until you have the interview scheduled. You have to accomplish your goal selling yourself, your skills, your experience, and your value with only the words that come out of your mouth now.

You have just three assets for a phone screen your attitude, your voice, and your preparation! What can you do to have the best opportunity for success?

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Phone Interview Questions About You

• What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• What is your greatest strength?
• Describe a typical work week.
• How would you describe the pace at which you work?
• How do you handle stress and pressure?
• What motivates you?
• Questions about your career goals.
• What type of work environment do you prefer?

Update Your Voicemail Greeting

While your goal is to answer calls from hiring managers before they hit voicemail, theres always a chance that wont be possible. Since thats the case, make sure your voicemail greeting is suitably professional. In most cases, one that simply announces your name and says you arent available is enough, so use that as a starting point.

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What Type Of Company Is Gartner

Gartner is an information technology research and consultancy company, formerly known as Gartner Group. Gartners corporate divisions include Research, Executive Programs, Consulting and Events. The companys two main data visualization and analysis tools are Gartner Magic Quadrants and the hype cycle.

Tell Me About A Time When You

Situation or scenario-based phone interview questions may feel overwhelming at first, but coming up with key responses beforehand can help keep you from getting overwhelmed. Utilizing the STAR method is also a great way to prepare. First, describe the situation and what task or challenge you needed to overcome. Then, give details of what actions you took to accomplish that goal and the results of your actions.

Avoid talking about failures unless they specifically ask for situations in which you did not accomplish your goals.

These types of questions may include:

• Lets say you are faced with a challenge. What would you do? This could be a difficult customer, a manager you disagree with, an overwhelming schedule, etc.
• Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond what was expected.
• Tell me about a time when you dealt with a demanding customer.
• Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a coworker or manager.
• Tell me about a time when you had competing priorities.
• Tell me about a time when you failed at a work task.
• Tell me about when you saw a problem at work and how you fixed it.

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Why Are You Looking For Jobs

Employers might ask this question during your phone interview to see if there are any red flags about your employment situation. If you are currently employed but are looking for new jobs, simply explain why. You should make your answer focused on your career instead of personal reasons or small preferences like hours or commute time. For example, you might be looking for new jobs because there are few opportunities for growth or movement in your current role.

If youve been let go for some reason, explain in a positive way that you and your employer decided it would be best for you to find a better fitting opportunity. You should address the ways youve been using your time to improve your skills and work styles.

Example answer:Im looking for opportunities to start my career as a . Working as an executive assistant has given me abundant experience in managing and organizing schedules, so Im ready to take the next step in my career. I feel especially qualified for this particular position because Ive worked in the retail industry in my last two administrative roles. Im more than ready to start my project coordination career and would be excited for it to be with your company.

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Why Are You Applying For This Position

Another common question, Why are you applying for this position? or What about this job interests you? tells employers whether or not you are serious and have a genuine interest in pursuing the position. To answer this question, use details listed in the job description that made you want to apply. This can be duties listed in the job description, details about the company or something about the job that aligns with your career goals.

Example answer:Ive been working for several years on gaining skills in your industry. I feel I have the knowledge, skills and qualifications youre looking for, along with a unique perspective coming from a different industry. I am passionate about working in the environmental protection space, and it is time for me to make a change. I feel your company is the perfect place for me to do that.

Read more: Reasons for Applying for This Job

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Questions About The New Job And The Company

One of the best ways to rise above your competition in a phone interview is to show that youve taken the time to research the employers company, history, culture, and mission statement. Explain how your experience could help the company if you were to be hired, and share what you’ve learned about the organization.

• Why do you want this job? – Best Answers
• What experience do you have? – Best Answers
• What can you do for this company? – Best Answers
• What do you know about this company? – Best Answers
• What challenges are you looking for in a position? – Best Answers
• What can you contribute to this company? – Best Answers

The Purpose Of Phone Interviews

Its no secret that people under the age of 35 tend to dislike talking on the phone. So, why do some employers and colleges insist on conducting phone interviews?

It mostly comes down to convenience and necessity. Some employers may end up having far more qualified applicants than they can realistically interview. To narrow down their pool of applicants, theyll use phone interviews to identify the top finalists.

During a phone interview, most employers have the following objectives:

• To confirm the applicants interest in the position.
• To make sure that you have the required skills they need.
• To assess cultural fit.
• To get a better idea of your expectations, especially on salary and benefits.

In college admissions, phone interviews are typically conducted by college representatives and former students. These interviews are slightly lower stakes in that your phone interview likely wont make or break your chances of admission. Still, you should come into the interview with an idea of what college interview questions will be asked and how you want to answer them.

The main objectives of a college interview include:

• To get to know the applicant a little better, beyond their test scores and grades.
• To confirm the applicants interest in the college.
• To discuss the students educational and career goals.
• To answer questions about the college.

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Top 20 Phone Interview Questions And Best Answers

• Questions To Ask Your Interviewer

Are you prepared for a phone interview? What will the interviewer ask you? Before you interview in person with a hiring manager, you may be asked to take part in a brief phone screen interview.

If you’re interviewing for a freelance or remote position or for any job with a virtual hiring process, you may have a longer and more in-depth interview. In these cases, a telephone interview may be the only actual interview you’ll have.

Phone interviews are conducted just like in-person interviews. They are used by hiring managers and recruiters as a tool for screening candidates for employment.