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
- Server
RH — Columbus,OHWith over 20 Hospitality experiences worldwide, RH Hospitality continues to expand our distinguished portfolio of Restaurants within our Design Galleries globally. Our goal is to blur the line between home...
- DINING ROOM ASSISTANT/SERVER ASSISTANT-BUDD DAIRY FOOD HALL
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants — Columbus,OHDining Room Assistant/Server Assistant-Budd Dairy Food Hall Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is seeking a Server Assistant to join our team! We are great people delivering genuine hospitality. Our associates come to...
- Master Automotive Technician / Mechanic | Up to $55/hr* & Weekends Off | Polaris
Christian Brothers Automotive Careers — Columbus,OHJob Description Job Title: Master Automotive Technician / Mechanic Location: 8555 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, United States, 43240 Job...
- Assistant Store Manager
TJX — Columbus,OHTJ MaxxAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your development.
- Servers
Red Robin — Grove City,OHServer Pay Rate: $5.50 + TipsRed Robin servers also earn variable tips (hourly pay will not be less than applicable minimum wage).Red Robin isn't your typical burger restaurant. We're a...
- Load Builder Needed in the Great State of Ohio
Contract Lumber — Columbus,OHLocation: Pataskala, Ohio Salary Range: $18-$23 (based on experience.) Full Benefits, Profit Sharing & 401K Monday – Friday, 1st Shift (Flexible) 40hrs/wk. (ability to work overtime,...
- Mobile Associate, Bilingual Preferred Spanish - Retail Sales
T-Mobile — Columbus,OHAt T-Mobile, we invest in YOU! Our Total Rewards Package ensures that employees get the same big love we give our customers. All team members receive a competitive base salary...
- Truck Driver - Local Class A - Penske Logistics
Penske Logistics — Groveport,OHJob Description: Immediate Opportunities: Full-time Local Class A CDL Truck Drivers - Average $84000 annually - $5000 retention bonus...
- Early AM / Opening Shifts
McDonald's — Columbus,OH4K4G Family Restaurants is now hiring Early Morning Team Members. Premium Pay for 4am Opening Shifts with full time hours, as well as a wage increase after 30 days! Be...
- Line Cook, FYR Short North - Hilton Columbus Downtown
Hilton Hotels — Columbus,OHEqual Opportunity Employer: EOE, including disability/vetsExceptional Hospitality Starts with YouPicture yourself brightening someone's day. When you join our Hotels team, that's exactly what you'll do every time you come to...
- Cashier
Pilot Company — Columbus,OHCompany Description Pay Rates Starting between: $12.20 - $16.53 / hour Are you passionate about team building, customer service, and meeting new people? Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where...
- Shift Leader (P1-1361601-0)
Panda Express — Columbus,OHOur Panda Shift Leader associates are important leaders of our team and are responsible for bringing Panda's mission alive in our restaurants by supporting management in creating food with passion,...
- Store Team Member - Full-Time - #767
Sheetz — Columbus,OHAdditional Job Info: Additional $1.50/hr. for working 10pm-6am Full-time Team Members are required to work 4 weekend days per month. Overview: Got high-energy...
- Retail Sales Supervisor (Columbus, OH)
Staples — Columbus,OHRetail Sales Supervisors champion customer engagement and oversee the front of store operations. You and the store team will focus on increasing sales, conversions and service throughout the store, while...
- Cook - Evening & Late Night Shift
Raising Cane's — Columbus,OHStarting hiring pay at: $14.00As a Cook at Raising Cane's, you will set the pace of the Restaurant by ensuring all of the food we serve meets our high standards....
- Entry-level Lube Tech/Technician
Valvoline Instant Oil Change — Columbus,OHALL ROADS LEAD TO THIS OPPORTUNITY The journey to Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) is different for everyone. Our employees are students, recent grads, parents, veterans, career changers—who...
- In-Seat Server
Compass Group, North America — Columbus,OHLevy Sector**Position Title: The team at THE Ohio Sate University is looking for Loge and In-seat servers to join our team. This position is to work all events at Ohio...
- Cook 1 Sportsbar - FT
PENN Entertainment — Columbus,OHWE'RE CHANGING ENTERTAINMENT. COME JOIN US.We're always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you'll get to be a part of an exciting industry, where the...
- Cleared Armed Security Officer with Security Clearance
Anonymous Employer — Columbus,OHAre you ready to work for a global company that has been ranked, several times, best company to work for? Do you have an active Top Security clearance? Do you...
- Shift Manager
Steak n Shake — Columbus,OHShift Manager - Steak 'n Shake - Paying up to $18.25 per hour! At Steak 'n Shake, we don't just compete on pay - we lead the market. We are...
- Prep Cook
Ruth's Chris Steak House — Columbus,OH$11.00 per hour - $14.75 per hourAre you ready for the best job ever?Since Ruth's Chris was founded in 1965, the most important ingredient in our recipe for success has...
- Cook - PBR Columbus
Live! — Columbus,OHEvery visit to PBR Cowboy Bar is a journey. With our heart-pounding mechanical bull, the charm of our Buckle Bunnies, and an atmosphere that buzzes with energy, we guarantee a...
- Infant/Toddler Teacher - No Degree Required
Bright Horizons Family Solutions — Columbus,OHGrow your teaching career with Bright Horizons, where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives every day. Learn from early education experts while having the opportunity to pursue...
- Commit to Serve Your City Year! (Full Pay/Benefits – Academic Mentor)
City Year — Blacklick,OHStudent success coach and mentor (entry level, paid,...
- Dishwasher
Golden Corral Restaurants — Grove City,OHOur franchise organization, Vitall Partners, LLC, is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team!The Utility Person / Dishwasher is responsible for many duties that have a great impact...
- Kitchen Team Member/Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings — Columbus,OHIn most jobs, everyone doesn't spontaneously erupt into applause and start raining down high-fives. At Buffalo Wild Wings, that's just a Thursday night. This is the place to start the...
- STORE MANAGER CANDIDATE IN CANAL WINCHESTER, OH
Dollar General — Canal Winchester,OHWork Where You Matter At Dollar General, our mission is Serving Others! We value each and every one of our employees. Whether you are looking to launch a new career...
- Special Education Paraprofessional
New Story Schools (OH) — Columbus,OHWe believe every learner deserves a safe place to grow. At New Story Schools, teams unite academics and therapeutic supports to help students ages 5–21 build skills for life. If...
- Crew Member
Dunkin' — Columbus,OHJoin Our Dunkin' Team We are looking for Crew Members to join our Dunkin' team! Crew Members are responsible for delivering great and friendly guest experiences. They prepare products according...
- Cook
U.S. Navy — Columbus,OHJob Title : Culinary Specialist Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Culinary Specialists operate and manage Navy dining and lodging services, planning menus, preparing meals, managing inventories and records,...
- Machine Operator - Temp to Hire, Weekly Pay
Adecco — Johnstown,OHMachine Operator Positions | Adecco Hiring ASAP Pay Rate: $19.30/hr.-$21.05/hr. Shift: 1st and 2nd Shift Openings Job Type: Full-Time | Temp-to-Hire Start...
- Local CDL-A Drivers / Avg. $1,200 - $1,400 Weekly / Home Daily
Truck One — Reynoldsburg,OHTruck One is Hiring Local Company Drivers. Average $1,200 - $1,400 per week and get home daily! Benefits:Average $1,200 - $1,400 per weekHome DailyNew/Late Model EquipmentPaid Weekly/Direct DepositTwo Weeks Earned...
- CDL A Local Shuttle Driver in East Liberty, OH
CEVA Logistics US, Inc. - Dedicated Fleet — Hilliard,OHCEVA Logistics is hiring a CDL A Home Daily Company Shuttle Driver in East Liberty, OH, drop and hook at Ceva and Honda yards. Want daily home time and paid...
- Drive with DoorDash
DoorDash — Columbus,OH*Why Deliver with DoorDash?* DoorDash is the #1 category leader in food delivery, food pickup, and convenience store delivery in the US, trusted by millions of customers every day. As...
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Home Daily - $10k Sign-On
SYSCO — Grove City,OHSysco is Now Hiring Local CDL-A Delivery Drivers in Columbus, OH!Home Daily - Earn Up to $100,000/Year* - Up to $10,000 Sign-On Bonus*...
- CDL A Dedicated Local Dry Van Driver in London, OH
NFI Industries — London,OHNFI Industries is hiring a CDL A Local Dry Van Driver in London, OH. NFI is one of the largest dedicated transportation companies in North America. Family owned and operated...
- Local CDL-A Truck Driver - Home Daily
Hub Group Trucking — Dublin,OHHub Group is Now Hiring Intermodal CDL-A Drivers in Columbus, OH!Earn $79,259 per Year - No-Touch Freight - Full...
- Work From Home Earn Part Time Income Side Income - Focus Group Panelist Needed (up to $750/week)
Apex Focus Group — Columbus,OHSeeking motivated individuals to participate in National Focus Groups and Clinical Trial studies. Earn up to $750/week in your spare time. Must register and apply to see if you qualify.
- CDL-A Truck Driver - Home Daily
C.R. England — London,OHCDL-A Truck Driver – Dedicated Local Route | Home Daily | West Jefferson, OH Average...
- Customer Service Associate
Walgreens — Columbus,OH* Models and delivers a distinctive and delightful customer experience.* Registers sales on assigned cash register, provides customers with courteous, fair, friendly, and efficient checkout service.Customer Experience* Engages customers and...