How to Handle a Phone or Skype Job Interview

If you are looking for a new job, you have probably been involved in various selection processes. In them, you will have noticed that many times your continuation as a candidate for the job you long for depends on the outcome of a remote interview, whether by phone or via Skype.

At DealerBest we use this type of interview when the number of applicants is high, as it allows us to bring together only the most suitable candidates to continue to the next phase of the selection process.

These first interviews, although they are uncertain and, at times, cold for candidates, are immensely useful to us. In them, our HR team has the opportunity to review a candidate's previous work experiences and define aspects that are not visible on a CV - such as enthusiasm or communication skills. In addition, they can easily learn about a candidate's concerns regarding key issues such as economic conditions or their availability to work. All this, without having to summon the candidate in person to our office.

Based on our experience, if you are the right person for the position, you will have a great chance of moving on to the next phase of the selection process if you apply the following tips when facing a phone or Skype interview:

Confirm the details

Before the interview, you should be clear on key data such as the date and time of the call, whether they will call you or you should call them, and who the person you will be speaking with is.

Don't forget to check that you have the person you will be speaking with added on Skype so you can start on time. Having these details clear will help you face the interview with more calm and confidence.

Do what you would do before any other type of interview

Review the description of the position you are applying for; this way you can relate the requirements to your skills and argue why you are the perfect person for that job. Additionally, you will have time to research a little about the company in question.

It is also advisable to always have clear the questions necessary for any other type of job interview: your strengths and weaknesses, how you handle pressure situations, professional interests...

Project your best self

During a video call or phone conversation, we lose many of our communicative abilities. It is for this reason that we must focus on giving a polished impression: keep any distractions that could interfere with the interview at bay (the radio or television, your pet...) and remember that chewing gum or taking a sip of coffee while you speak is not a good idea.

Look on the bright side

If the interview takes place by phone, you can calmly review your CV during the conversation or work with a list to clearly convey which of your qualities fit the job.

If it is a video call, having discreet notes on hand to refresh your memory if you go blank will be helpful.

Be careful

Listen carefully to the interviewer when they speak, respond only when they have finished their question, and don't worry if you need them to repeat a question or if you need a few more seconds to think about your answer.

If you think of something important to say while the other person is speaking, jot it down in a notepad and bring up the topic at a more convenient time.

Let us never forget the goal of an interview, which is none other than the moment recruiters take advantage of to get to know us and see if we are the most suitable professionals and people to become part of their organizations. To achieve this, the best advice is to be yourself, to know yourself very well. Prudence, naturalness, and coherence are values on the rise.