Elevating your Phone Interview Posture

As a specialized headhunter, my mission is clear: I advocate and complement the career objective(s) of the administrative individuals I’m blessed to connect with each day. Having conducted thousands of hours of 1:1 phone interviews, since starting Exceptional Admins in 2017, I understand firsthand that the interviewing process can be just as stressful and demanding as the search process. 

As you read through this motivational article, I hope you discover applicable takeaways that offer that deep breath you’ve been seeking.

The More You Know…

(Deep breath). Traditionally, your first point of contact is going to be with someone, other than the executive, who holds a hiring role. I share this next thought with a high degree of compassion: there’s already a gap. A gap in understanding what you bring to the table as an administrative professional and your value-add. So, when you have the phone interview, there are four things to do to heighten your candidacy:

Phone Interview Tip 1: Be Present

You need to curate each phone interview as if it's the only role you're currently pursuing. If you give off the impression that you are very aggressive with your search, you may convey a lack of professionalism during the call. You will want to make your time with that hiring executive, especially if you're super pumped about the opportunity, very specific. In my experience, encountering unprepared candidates who lack knowledge about the topics we are discussing, raises doubts about their genuine interest and commitment to being considered for the role.

Phone Interview Tip 2: Speak to your Strengths

In closing the phone interview, it's very standard to hear the following question, “Do you have any questions for me?” Even though you may not, use that wide open door to close with a story highlighting one of your strengths, from your Suite of Strengths, that would aid in your ability to be successful in the role. Find something specific about you! This is part of your personal branding. When presented with this question, I would suggest you share the following, ex: “This was a great call. You’ve answered all of my questions. As we wrap up, I’d like to highlight my most regarded trait that has consistently contributed to the success of an executive and company. [I'm very organized. Fact being, I own a label maker at home, and I use it in everything that I do, I wish to bring that organization to this role.”] While this is a fact about me, Hilani #wink, consider what would be a top strength and insert your message inside the brackets.

Phone Interview Tip 3: Do a lot of Sleuthing

All the advice out there talks about the importance of researching the company before an interview. This is truly imperative but, the part I’ve noticed that’s missing from many write-ups is a clear outline of what to learn and how to use it. Here are a couple of important items to research:

1. Inception - Learn the birth year of the company and why it was founded:

In learning this information, you can find ways to connect to their ‘story’. Establishing a personal connection to their ‘why’, enables you to connect on a slightly (but within HR boundaries) personal level. Example: A CBD client of mine resonated deeply with the candidates pursuing the opportunity because they believed in its healing properties and either used it themselves or had family members with ailments who did.

1. Hiring Trends (Prior 3 Years) - Growing the work-family:

Understanding how rapid or steady their human capital growth has been handled (or if they have a revolving door) will provide insights into the evolution or challenges within the company culture. Consider approaching an interview as another opportunity to practice and refine your skills. If they’ve had a steady approach to hiring you could ask: “I noticed you hired 10 people last year. If I spoke to all of them, what would be a common theme with their endorsement of working at ____?” In case of a revolving door scenario, you could ask, “What strategies are being developed to retain talent?” 

Phone Interview Tip 4: Show Enthusiasm

Throughout the phone interview, express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Your excitement about the role and the company should be palpable in your tone and responses. Highlight specific aspects of the position or the organization that genuinely excite you. This enthusiasm not only leaves a positive impression but also signals to the interviewer that you are genuinely interested and invested in the opportunity. 

Launch Pad:

1. Be present and personally prepared. Come with your resume and have access to the job description. Bring your top 3 personal branded traits to the discussion. Express how you stand out through (concise) storytelling. Take them on the job with you.

2. Do your research! Show up with knowledge about the company and be ready to ask questions. Over-preparing will help you be ready for any questions that come your way. 

3. Be enthusiastic about the interview. Remember, conveying passion can set you apart from other candidates. 

Thanks for reading. I hope that these tips worked in your favor to land that great job and/or approach interviews differently. I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

Looking for additional interviewing tips? 

• Check out the articles, In-Person Interviews and Virtual Interviewing Strategies to fit your interviewing needs. 

• Check out this Instagram video

• Listen to the below episode: p.s. Interviewing Composure and Tips, E: 092