Looking for the right job can be an arduous process. Sometimes even hearing back on your initial applications can take much longer than you’d hoped. When you do finally land that first phone interview, remember to celebrate. Making it to this key juncture is an accomplishment in itself. Now it’s time to buckle down and prepare to make a great impression. Effectively preparing for a phone interview can help you continue to move forward in your journey toward your next fulfilling employment experience.
If you’re seeking behavioral health job opportunities, you’ve come to the right place. Behavioral Health Jobs not only provides an exemplary jobs board for openings in your area but also lots of helpful information on topics that matter to job seekers. Call us at [Direct] or reach out online to learn more about placements near you.
Get to Know the Interview Process
Depending on the size of the company you’ve applied to, your first phone interview might be with a recruiter rather than a staff member at the organization itself. A recruiter is more likely to ask general questions, while a hiring manager may jump right into the job’s nitty gritty. Regardless, you’ll want to make a great first impression, give a clear and complete picture of yourself, and communicate your alignment with the role. Look forward to the fact that a successful phone interview with a recruiter is usually followed by one conducted by an actual hiring manager at the company.
Skills tests are an increasingly popular part of many interview processes. Review the job description and make some educated guesses about how your potential employer might ask you to demonstrate your on-the-job abilities. Are there any safety or privacy codes specific to your field that it might be wise to review in case you’re quizzed on them? Are there hands-on procedures you might need to describe or, later in the hiring process, even demonstrate in person?
To the extent that’s possible, directly ask for information about what the interview process looks like. If you’ve gained an initial phone interview, you may be in a position to ask how the process will proceed in the event they choose to move forward with you. Logistically, it’s wise to know as much as possible in advance in case you’ll need to travel for an interview, prepare for specific skills tests or demonstrations, review materials in advance, etc.
Tips for Preparing for a Phone Interview
No matter who you’ll be speaking with in your first interview, there are a few key insights to bear in mind to make a great first impression. Here are some tips and tricks to utilize as you prepare:
- Handle practical details: Charge your phone, keep a water bottle on hand, and curate the space where you’ll do your interview. Make sure it’s comfortable, distraction-free, and helps you feel alert and professional. It’s likely better, for example, to do your interview sitting at a table or on your feet rather than reclining in a favorite armchair.
- Perform due diligence: Research the company and make some bulleted notes to keep on hand during your interview. Being aware of any recent organizational changes or pressing goals is especially impactful. Also, look at their mission and ethics statements online and be prepared to describe how your core values align.
- Be very familiar with the job description: You’ll also want to keep bulleted notes in front of you about which specific skills or tasks from the job description fit with your past experience. For example, if you’ve already used a particular piece of software for managing case files or sharing notes, mention when and where you gained this skill.
- Prepare for likely interview questions: For many, having a growth-oriented response to “Tell me about a weakness” ready to go can be a game-changer. Also, think about what job-specific questions you may get and prepare for those as well. Practice your answers aloud, as this truly is the best way to get a sense of pacing and whether your answers need more or less detail.
Don’t be afraid to practice before the interview takes place; it can also be helpful to rehearse answers to expected questions. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. Get more advice for interviewing on the Behavioral Health Jobs website.
Hedge Your Bet By Continuing to View Great Opportunities in Your Area Through Behavioral Health Jobs
Getting a phone interview is a great step toward getting hired into your dream role. Remember that even if you don’t progress beyond this point, you’ve made an accomplishment. Behavioral Health Jobs is here to help you no matter what happens. Call us at [Direct] or reach out online for help navigating the changing behavioral health employment landscape and landing your next great job.
