Often when you apply for a job a company representative will call you to screen you for the position with a phone interview. This is not just more convenient, it’s also a good opportunity to promote your application up a few inches on the stack of the company you want to work for.

The usual still applies here: Have knowledge about the company handy and have questions prepared related to the job opening.  Here’s your chance to clarify things about the job or the application process.

The person on the other side of the line will generally interview to check if you have all the minimal criteria for a job, but if you show that you are interested and informed you can make a good impression that will help you later.

It is also a good idea to call to apply without any prior contact. Just tell them you are interested in their company, these are your qualifications, this is what you are looking for, and ask if there are any openings. If there are you are likely to be invited to send in your resume.

Here’s a few things to keep in mind when talking to hr-reps on the phone:

• Time is precious. They will not take kindly to explaining things to you that are already obvious. Either from the job advertisement itself or from a quick glance of the “About Us” page on the company website.
• Some things are not to be discussed on the phone. This includes everything related to payment and benefits. The aim is to get a job interview in person where you clarify those things.
• Minimize small talk. It’s not unlikely that the person you are speaking with has already had 10 of such calls that day. Have something substantial to say.

Be sure to check out the rest of our articles related to getting a job.

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