Phone Interviews: A Guide

University courses Law
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Although they are not as popular with law firms anymore, phone interviews may represent one of the stages that you need to go through in order to get hired. Although (thankfully), I never had to go through one of these, some of my close friends have. Here are some tips which have helped them a lot:

Before the Interview

  1. Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
  2. Understand the Role: Review the job description thoroughly. Know the key responsibilities and required skills so you can highlight your relevant experience.
  3. Prepare Your Space: Choose a quiet, comfortable place with good reception. Make sure you have your resume, a notepad, and a pen handy.
  4. Test Your Equipment: Ensure your phone is fully charged and test your headset if you’re using one. Make sure your phone service is reliable in the location you choose.
  5. Prepare Your Answers: Practice common interview questions and prepare specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
  6. Prepare Questions: Have a few insightful questions ready about the role or company to demonstrate your interest and engagement.

During the Interview

  1. Answer Promptly and Politely: Answer the call promptly and introduce yourself. Be polite and professional from the start.
  2. Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions and comments. Don’t interrupt, and make sure to let them finish before responding.
  3. Speak Clearly and Confidently: Speak slowly, clearly, and with confidence. Smile while you talk – it can make your voice sound more friendly and enthusiastic.
  4. Be Concise: Keep your answers focused and to the point. Avoid rambling. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions.
  5. Take Notes: Jot down key points during the interview. This can help you remember important details and follow up later.
  6. Ask Your Questions: Show your interest in the role and company by asking the questions you prepared. This also demonstrates that you’ve done your homework.

After the Interview

  1. Follow Up: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Express your appreciation for the opportunity, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, and briefly mention one or two key points from your conversation.
  2. Reflect: Take some time to reflect on the interview. Consider what went well and what you could improve for next time.

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Those tips are super helpful! I’m curious, how do you think preparing for a phone interview differs from preparing for an in-person or video interview? Are there any specific strategies that work particularly well for phone interviews?

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Preparing for a phone interview differs from preparing for an in-person or video interview primarily because you rely solely on your voice to convey your personality and qualifications. Since the interviewer cannot see your body language or facial expressions, it’s crucial to focus on clear, confident, and enthusiastic communication. Practice answering questions concisely and avoid speaking too quickly. Have your resume and key points in front of you for easy reference, but avoid sounding like you’re reading. Find a quiet, distraction-free environment, and test your phone connection beforehand to ensure a smooth conversation.

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I absolutely hate phone interviews! It feels so weird, not being able to see the recruiter :laughing: So these tips are actually gold!

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