Ashton Tweed has created the first Executive Talent Bank for the Life Sciences.

Networking Tips: 6 Vital Phone Interview Tips

Many life sciences employers today are using telephone interviews as an initial step for screening prospective job candidates. When given the opportunity for a phone interview, your primary goal is to convince the interviewer that you’re an outstanding candidate for the next step – a face-to-face interview. Here are six vital tips to help you nail your next phone interview:

1. Arrange to be in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. When scheduling the phone interview, make sure you’re not going to be driving or traveling at the time. If you’re at home or in an office, get in a secluded area where the background noise will be at a minimal, and let people know not to disturb you. This shows the interviewer that you’re prepared, focused, and making the interview a priority.
2. Have your resume and/or curriculum vitae handy. With this information right in front of you, you won’t miss a beat when posed with questions about your previous jobs, education, and dates of employment. Also be prepared with some notes quantifying your previous career accomplishments. As we highlighted in a previous Connections article, using numbers and data to tell how you’ve improved sales or positively impacted budgets will help set you apart from others vying for the same position. In addition, be sure to have a pen and paper within reach to take notes about any important information the interviewer discusses.
3. Strike a balance between talking and listening. Reading how people are reacting to what you’re saying over the telephone is difficult, so be careful not to talk too much. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and answer each question without straying from the point. There’s nothing that will turn off an interviewer more quickly than someone who goes on for 10 minutes in response to a single question. Also, be prepared with succinct, to-the-point answers for frequently asked interview questions, such as your strengths and weaknesses and why you’re a perfect fit for the position.
4. Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum during the interview. This advice may be obvious, but keep in mind that the sound of chewing and swallowing is amplified on the telephone. You may want to have a glass of water nearby, however, just in case you need it.
5. Be ready with some questions. Interviewers frequently end the conversation by asking if you have any questions, so be prepared. Do your homework about the company and its products or services to help come up with some good ideas for questions. Asking about the specific job responsibilities and opportunities for advancement are also examples of possible questions.
6. Follow up with a thank-you note. Be sure to send your interviewer a thank-you letter or email promptly after the phone interview. A follow-up thank-you note provides a great opportunity to express your appreciation, reiterate your interest in the position, and highlight your qualifications.

Mastering the telephone interview is a key skill for job hunters in the life sciences industry today. By being prepared and confident, you’ll be a step closer to your next new job.