Tips for an initial phone or video screen

interview with an employer

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Your resumé impressed a potential employer and you’re ready to meet in person.  But one thing is standing in the way of that all-important interview: an initial phone or video screen.  It may not seem that important, but the initial screen interview can either make or break your candidacy.  Done poorly, it can bring it to a crashing stop.  Done properly, it can establish a tone that will carry throughout your entire candidacy.  Here are some tips designed to help in your transition from great resumé to great candidate.

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the normal rules still apply

the purpose of an initial screen interview is the same as that of an in-person interview.  Your mission for both is to show the employer what makes you a great candidate – to prove to the employer that you’re as good in person as you are on paper.  But the first step to having a great initial screen interview is knowing how to have a great in-person interview.  So, before learning more about the initial screen interview, please read our tip sheet for in-person interviews here.

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schedule interviews at your best time, not the employer's

whenever possible, schedule an interview for a time of the day that you’re most alert, productive and sociable.  It goes without saying that if you’re not a morning person, avoid 8:00 a.m. meetings. 

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never go wireless

proper communication is essential to a great interview.  A smartphone is a great tool, but it’s not the best for interviews.  Echoes inhibit good communication and can sometimes make it seem like you’re talking over the interviewer.  Whenever possible, use a landline. No landline? Then make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone and that the call takes place where you get the best reception. Try to get the interviewer’s phone number beforehand in case you get disconnected.

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resumé wallpaper

one of the advantages of a phone interview is that you can have your resumé in front of you as a reference.  But paper leads to paper rustling and noise.  If you do need your resumé, tape it on the wall in front of you (at eye level).  But remember, while it is appropriate to refer to your resumé when necessary, it is not recommended that you read from it (or any other document) unless asked to by the interviewer.   There's really no hard rule here but use your best judgment.

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prepare your surroundings

go to a quiet, private place where people won’t distract you.  If you live in an urban environment shut the windows to your home. Have a few pens and a notepad in front of you.  Keep your computer on with a search page loaded or the employer’s home page at the ready.  But, under no circumstances should you use the computer to reference information unless the employer asks you to.  A clicking keyboard will make the employer think you're "cheating".  Have a glass of water ready.  Test call a friend from your phone to make sure they can hear you clearly and there’s no background noise.  Have your surroundings ready at least 15 minutes before the interview so that you can spend the remaining time looking over notes or just relaxing.  Don’t overthink the interview – sometimes, that’s worse than not thinking about it enough.

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no multitasking allowed

"if you chase two rabbits, they both get away" The old axiom is true about interviews too.  One of the downsides of a phone/video interview is the potential to be distracted.  Few things are worse to an employer than the feeling of having a one-sided conversation.  So it’s best to turn off any electronics that may distract you, including computers, T.V.s, smartphone apps, etc.  You should have one focus: the employer and his/her questions.

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time is of the essence

phone/video interviews are generally shorter than in-person interviews.  Employers want to get the essentials as quickly as possible, and you should be able to do that for the employer.  Remember, the purpose of this type of interview is to determine if you’re as great “live” as you are on paper.  So, start talking about your accomplishments as quickly as possible.  Prove to the employer that they won't succeed without out.  Fire your big guns as early as possible so that if the meeting gets terminated unexpectedly, you can rest assured that at least you gave the interviewer enough of your best accomplishments to get you an in-person meeting.

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dress appropriately and smile

it’s difficult for an interviewer to get a sense of “you” during a phone screen because they cannot see you and they cannot read your body language.  But good interviewers know how to read between the lines and pick up certain signals just from your voice.  So dress like you would at work or during a live interview and remember to smile.  You’d be surprised at how much “professionalism” you can relay to an interviewer just through your voice.

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get pumped

10 minutes before the interview, put on your favorite music – music that will charge you up and help you just “let go”.  And don’t be afraid to belt out a few lines yourself. That’s sure to warm up your voice and help you sound strong and confident.