Phone interviews are a common method today for companies that are interviewing potential candidates for an open position. They want only those that are best qualified and phone interviews are a means for determining those that quality for an in-person interview. That said, it’s important that your phone interview leave a good, lasting impression on the employer so that you can land the actual in-person interview, to get one step closer to being offered the position.
The interview tips listed below from Thrivas, a leader among staffing agencies in Miami, will help you identify what should be and should not be done when undergoing a phone or in-person interview.
Phone Interview – Do’s
- Be Prepared – prior to your interview make a list of your accomplishments, weaknesses, strengths and answers to the most common questions asked during an interview.
- Resume – Always have your resume right in front of you when doing a phone interview because you will be referencing it when discussing your past and current work experiences.
- Paper & Pen – Take notes during your phone interview on a piece of paper.
- No Distractions – Always ensure you are somewhere without distractions; this means turning off the TV, radio or ensuring no other ‘noise’ or distractions are present during the phone call.
- Take Your Time – It’s okay to pause and think for a moment when responding to a question by the employer. You should speak clearly and slowly and with confidence.
- Smile – Smiling can’t be seen while doing a phone interview but it can project the positive tone that smiling brings about.
- Thank the Employer – After the phone interview send a ‘thank-you’ to the employer, letting them know you appreciate their consideration and to recap on your interest in the job.
Phone Interview – Don’ts
- Keep it Clean – It is not okay to chew gum, have candy in your mouth, eat anything or smoke while in an interview.
- Rambling – It’s common for some to start rambling during an interview (often due to nerves) but try to keep your answers direct and right on point, leaving out unnecessary details.
- Be Considerate – Never interrupt when the interviewer is speaking; this is something employers pay close attention to, believe it or not.
- Unnecessary Details – You might feel a ‘story’ is appropriate when answering certain questions, however it is not. Answer as ‘directly’ as you can, not including too much information.
- Boss Bashing – Never talk ill about your former employers because this reflects badly on you and will likely automatically eliminate you from any chances of getting the position.
In-person Interview – Do’s
- Do Your Research – It’s important that you know about the company you’re trying to be employed with. Learn more about what they do and then find out what you can about the people, or person, that will be interviewing you.
- Practice – Like you would with anything, practice your responses to the common interview questions and try to keep them related to the company.
- Job Details – Familiarize yourself with the actual job description and try to focus on answering in ways that portray how you are an ideal fit for the responsibilities.
- Appearance – Suits are always a good choice for dressing for an interview, but business attire (pants, top, blazer, etc.) can also make an impression.
- Resume- Make sure to bring along a handful of copies of your resume because they won’t always have it on hand, but you will be prepared and that makes a good impression.
- Early Arrival – You don’t want to be significantly early, but arriving at least 15 minutes allows time to gain your composure, fill out any necessary paperwork or forms, and to collect your thoughts before your actual interview.
- Directions – Make sure you know where the location is and that you can get there without any problems to avoid any risk of being late.
- Take Time – Try not to rush when answering a question and instead allow yourself a minute to form the best response.
- Clarify – If you aren’t sure what the interview is asking, simply ask for clarification.
- Thank You’s – Always send a thank-you note or letter to the person or people you interview with, thanking them for their consideration and restating your interest in the job.
In-person Interview – Don’ts
- Be Windy – Talking too much or providing too much information can be a turn-off to interviews so make sure your answers directly answer their question and are short and sweet, to the point.
- Former Employers – Never speak ill of your former employers.
View more information from Thrivas Staffing Agency on our Google Plus page.
Find a job by searching below
- Bartender
Bowlero — Columbus,OHOverview Your next adventure starts here! At Lucky Strike Entertainment, great times and exciting opportunities go hand in hand. Join us as a Bartender and become part of a vibrant...
- 4am Inbound (Stocking) (T1236)
Target Stores — Columbus,OHTarget - 1485 Polaris Pkwy [Retail Associate / Team Member] As an Inbound Stocker at Target, you'll: Work in a fun and energetic environment and work efficiently as a team...
- Assistant General Manager
McDonald’s — Ashville,OHAssistant General Manager Flexible scheduling with a side of always feeling valued. A job at McDonald's offers a job combo that fits YOU. PERKS & BENEFITS: Competitive pay from $52420...
- Bartender
Chili's — Columbus,OHWith a career at HMSHost, you really benefit! We Offer Health, dental and vision insurance Generous paid time off (vacation, flex or sick) Holiday pay Meal and Transportation Benefits...
- Sales Associate
BoxLunch & Hot Topic — Columbus,OHGet some, give back! We're looking for pop culture fanatics to help create the best experience for our customers. We're on the search for a Sales Associate that will help...
- Server
True Food Kitchen — Columbus,OHWhat you would do! Just like our menus, we look for people that are vibrant, true, fun, and creative with colorful personalities. Our servers help to create a comfortable, welcoming...
- Sandwich Artist - Pickerington | Ohio
Subway Restaurants — Pickerington,OHAs part of the Subway® Team, you as a Sandwich Artist ® will focus on four main things: Providing an excellent Guest experiencePreparing and serving great food Keeping restaurants clean...
- Shift Leader
Smashburger — Westerville,OHSMASHBURGER Shift Leader Our first Smashburger restaurant opened in 2007 with one single notion in mind; to serve a better burger! Better burgers takes better service, support and teamwork. That's...
- Server
IHOP — Westerville,OHSUMMARY Provide promptly, efficient, courteous service to all guests. Service includes greeting, seating, talking and serving orders, taking guest remittance as required, clearing dishes and resetting tables. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND...
- Front of House Team Member
Chick fil A — Columbus,OHDescription We're looking for our next great Front of House Team Members! As a FOH Team Member, you will welcome & greet guests, take and prepare customer orders in either...
- Store Delivery Driver (Part Time)
Genuine Parts — Westerville,OHThis is a Delivery Driver opportunity that truly delivers on being a NAPA brand ambassador! Does being out on the open road (not in the office/store all day) get you...
- Sales Associate - Guest Experience Specialist
Bob's Discount Furniture — Reynoldsburg,OHJob Summary The primary function of a Retail Guest Experience Specialist is to represent Bob's Discount Furniture and its products with honesty and integrity while guiding the customer through the...
- Front Desk Agent
Alphabe Insight — Columbus,OHCompany Description About Us At Property Soar, we are dedicated to empowering real estate operations through accuracy, data-driven insights, and streamlined systems. Our mission is to...
- Pizza Delivery Driver
Marco's Pizza — Grove City,OHBe honest! Who doesn't like to drive around in their car, listen to music and get paid for it! Marco's Pizza is the premier pizza franchise in the United States...
- Restaurant Supervisor
Smokey Bones — Columbus,OHJob Type Full-time Description Restaurant Supervisor Non-Exempt Earn $20.00 - $25.00 an hour with Groth Potential Are you looking for a place that celebrates YOU for being YOU? Do you...
- Overnight Customer Service Representative Bilingual Preferred
PLS — Columbus,OHPosition Location: 1397 West Mound St., Columbus OH 43223 PLS® Overview: Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!® PLS - which stands for People - Location - Service - is a...
- Delivery Driver
Jimmy Johns — Columbus,OHDescription: We have a part-time/full-time opening for a Delivery Driver. Must be able to work various shifts per week. Must have reliable transportation. Requirements: Driving Valid...
- Delivery Driver/Warehouse
Soleo Health — Dublin,OHSoleo Health is seeking a Per Diem Delivery Driver/Warehouse to support our patients in the Columbus, OH area. Join us in Simplifying Complex Care! Soleo Health Perks: Competitive...
- Material handler
EVERSTAFF — Columbus,OHJob Description Our growing company in the Columbus area is seeking experienced Material Handlers to join our team! If you're reliable, skilled with forklifts, and have a background in shipping...
- Rental Coordinator
EquipmentShare — Grove City,OHEquipmentShare - 1605 Thrailkill Rd [Retail Sales / Team Member] As a Rental Coordinator at EquipmentShare, you'll: Coordinate rental equipment logistics, ensuring timely delivery and pickup; Manage customer accounts, addressing...
- Shift Lead
Banfield — Grove City,OHIf you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for...
- Food Runner - Sawmill Chili's
Chili's Grill & Bar — Columbus,OHFood Runner - Sawmill Chili's 3675 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43235 Min: $5.25 Hourly | Max: $5.25 Hourly *Plus Tips Role Overview Our Food Runners create an...
- Country Club Server
Arcis Golf — Dublin,OHClub Location: The Club at Tartan Fields - Dublin, OH Arcis Golf team members thrive on anticipating needs, forging connections, and elevating experiences for our team, members, and guests. We...
- # At Your Service Center Associate, Polaris - Full Time
Macy’s — Columbus,OHMacy's Inc. - JobID: REQ_591907 [Retail Sales / Team Member] As an At Your Service Center Associate at Macy's, you'll: Proactively assist customers who are using devices to shop and...
- Retail Sales Associate
Turkey HIll — Lewis Center,OHDescription: Are you a high energy, outgoing person who loves to help others and work as part of a team? Are you interested in starting a career in retail? Do...
- Server
Golden Corral Restaurants — Columbus,OHOur franchise organization, Golden Barrel, LLC dba Golden Corral, is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team! The main responsibility of the Server is "Making Pleasurable Dining Affordable."...
- Location General Manager
CarMax — Columbus,OH7176 - Columbus Sawmill - 2700 Farmers Dr, Columbus, Ohio, 43235 CarMax, the way your career should be! SUMMARY: The Location General Manager (LGM) has ultimate responsibility for store operations...
- Rental Car Driver CMH Airport
ABM — Columbus,OHJob Description Job Summary Details: Days: Vary Hours: Vary Pay: 12.00 Hourly The Rental Car Driver drives vehicles to and from assigned locations. Depending on the contractual need, this...
- Part-Time Sales Associate
Johnston & Murphy — Columbus,OHJob Description At Johnston & Murphy we believe that attributes are as important as experience and that who you are is as important as what you know. We believe that...
- Customer Service Representative First Shift
Planet Fitness — Columbus,OHJob Summary This job is full time and will require you work one weekend day. Shift are 4am - 12pm, 6am to 2pm and/or, 7am- 3pm. Essential Duties and Responsibilities...
- Snack Bar Attendant
Troon Golf — Columbus,OHColumbus Country Club is excited to announce the exceptional career opportunity of Snack Bar Attendant. Qualified candidates will thrive in a hospitality environment and be highly focused on providing superior...
- Retail Shortage Control - Part Time
Burlington Stores — Columbus,OHJoin our team as a Shortage Control Associate and contribute to a secure shopping environment while delivering exceptional customer service! As a Shortage Control Associate (SCA), your role directly impacts...
- General Manager
Chicken Salad Chick — Westerville,OHGeneral Manager Job Summary The Restaurant General Manager delivers exceptional results through others. They provide an engaging environment for restaurant teams and guests; while...
- Server-Part time
Life Care Companies, LLC — Lewis Center,OHJob Description When you work at The Avalon of Lewis Center, you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you...
- Store Customer Service Specialist
Sherwin-Williams — Pickerington,OHJob Description This position is essential to the success of our retail stores. Customer Service Specialists work closely with wholesale and retail customers to determine their needs, answer their questions...
- Sales Associate
Boot Barn — Hilliard,OHBoot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other up, listen intently, and implement out-of-the-box ideas. We celebrate new innovations, congratulate...
- CDS Full Time Event Manager - Product Demonstration
Club Demonstration Services — Plain City,OHClub Demonstration Services - JobID: 435981 [Sales Associate / Team Member] As a Product Demonstrator at Club Demonstration Services, you'll: Prepare and demonstrate food and non-food vendor products to store...
- Retail Associate
Ross — Columbus,OHGENERAL PURPOSE: The Retail Associate is responsible for ensuring our Customers have a positive shopping experience. The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and...
- Store Team Member - Full-Time - #702
Sheetz — Delaware,OHAdditional $1.50/hr. for working 10pm-6am Full-time Team Members are required to work 4 weekend days per month. OVERVIEW Got high-energy and love to hustle? Come join the fast-paced, FUN work...
- Sales Associate / Jewelry Specialist - Jared - Tuttle Crossing - Dublin, OH
Jared — Dublin,OHJared - Dublin, OH [Sales Associate / Team Member] As a Sales Associate/Jewelry Specialist at Jared, you'll: Be responsible for providing a superior experience to the valued customers; Engage customers...