Virtual interviews usually precede in-person interviews, but if you do not make a good impression in a virtual interview, you likely will not get the chance for a face-to-face one. The purpose of the phone interview is for the interviewer to decide whether to invite you to the next interview — which is hopefully an in-person one.
The Internet makes it easy for you to apply for a job anywhere in the world, but the company is not going to incur the expense of bringing you in for an in-person interview unless you are a good fit — and often that is determined through one or more virtual interviews.
You may have two (or more!) virtual interviews before your first in-person interview.
Traditionally, virtual interviews (usually phone interviews) were used to conduct a pre-screening for an in-person interview and to answer any questions not addressed in the résumé. But, today, phone interviews are also replacing some in-person “first interviews.” You may be asked the same questions on the phone you might have expected would be asked in a face-to-face interview. So prepare like you would for an in-person interview.
Virtual interviews are generally shorter than in-person interviews — they may be as short as five minutes, or last up to an hour. The typical phone interview lasts 20-30 minutes. When the phone interview is scheduled, that is the time to ask how much time to allow — and then add 30 minutes to it, just in case.
In-depth phone interviews are also more common in management and executive positions — especially when relocation is required. For these positions, one or two phone interviews may be conducted before an invitation is made for a face-to-face interview.
Virtual interviews can save you time — but they can also save you money. You do not have to drive to an interview (or travel, if relocation is required).
As with a face-to-face interview, there are two possible outcomes from a virtual interview. Either you will advance to another interview (either by phone or face-to-face), or you will be eliminated from consideration.
The most important advice for any type of interview also applies to virtual interviews: Practice really does make perfect. Prepare just as well for a phone interview as you would for an in-person interview.
When scheduling a phone interview with an interviewer, find out:
• The time of the call (and clarify any time zone differences)
• Who is calling whom (and on what phone number)
• How long to expect the call to last
• Any specific preparation required for the call
• Who will the call be with (name, job title)
On a piece of paper, write down the job title you are applying for, the company name, and key points you want to remember to make.
Create a “talking points” outline. These are key points you want to cover in the interview. This can include:
• Position and industry-specific accomplishments
• Unique assets you possess as an employee
• Information about the company that you learned from your research that ties into your skills, abilities, and qualifications
Anticipate the conversation — think about the questions you might be asked and the key points to include in your answers. Prepare a list of questions to practice for the phone interview.
You should also prepare questions ahead of time that you will ask in the interview.
One of the best ways to prepare for a phone interview is to practice. Tape record the practice call so you can identify areas to improve. Practice speaking concisely and clearly. Many people are surprised to hear how they sound on the phone. One easy way to do this is to use a free conference call service, like Freeconferencing.com (freeconferencing.com). There is no cost to use the service; your only charge is for the long-distance call to access the conference line.
It is important to convey your enthusiasm in a phone interview — which can be done through your voice pitch, tone, and volume.
Thinking through where you will conduct an interview is critical. Pick a location that will be free from distracting background noises — kids, pets, phones ringing. Turn off the TV, computer, and/or iPad. Hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.
Dress for an interview — even if it is a phone interview. This can help put you in the right “frame of mind” for your interview.
It can help to find a photo of your interviewer and look at that while you are on the call.
Do a “dry run.” Call a friend or family member and have them test the phone connection (volume) and whether there is anything distracting that may affect the call.
The more you prepare, the better. Review the company’s website. Google your interviewer. Make sure you are thoroughly familiar with the job description or job posting.
Prepare an opening and closing statement in advance. The opening statement might be the answer to “Tell me about yourself.” This should include a 30- to 60-second statement of why you are qualified for the job, based on what you know about the position. The closing statement should include your desire to work for the company, reiterating your interest in the job. But do not read these word-for-word.