The first job interview phone call

Companies will call/zoom candidates to get to them better for a quick 15-minute phone call.

They will set up the initial call/Zoom by:

1. E-mail - Make sure your inbox is EMPTY at all times. It's straightforward for such an e-mail to get lost in between junk or can get confused for a rejection e-mail. Read e-mails from companies carefully. They will either ask you to select a time slot or ask for your availability.

2. WhatsApp/SMS - Make sure the number on your CV is a number they can WhatsApp. In Israel, it's socially and professionally acceptable to WhatsApp. If If you don't want to change your WhatsApp number to your Israel number, download WhatsApp for Business, which is a separate app, and use that with your Israel phone number.

3. Calling - If they call out of the blue, you can tell them that it's not a good time and you'd be happy to speak at xxx at xxx time. Be prepared to answer the phone to unknown numbers.

An overview of possible questions in the first phone call/zoom

• Do you know what we do here at xxxx

• Are you currently working?

• Why do you want to leave your current company?

• Why did you leave your past position?

• Tell me about your experience.

• What are your salary expectations - do your research! Look on Glassdoor, and speak to people in your industry. The number your give is the amount you'd like to earn MONTHLY. Some people give a range of what they'd like, while others give a number. You must decide what you feel most comfortable with, and remember to say your number confidently!

• After asking about your salary expectations, they will ask if you're flexible or say that your range is out of their budget.

• Are you interviewing with other companies?

• Do you have any further questions? I always ask about the interview process if they don't mention it.

Suggestions to prepare for the phone call:

• Look up on LinkedIn for the person you are going to speak with. Their full name is usually in the calendar invite.

• Be sure to be in a quiet place during the phone call, and if it's a Zoom, make sure you have a solid internet connection.

• Familiarize yourself with the company. Did they raise a new round? Did they move to a new office? Look over their website and socials.

• Please read over the job description and save it in a document for you to go back to reference before your following interview.

• At the end of the phone call, be sure to say thank you to the recruiter for the call and opportunity.

• Send a thank you e-mail. Few people do this, and it will help you stand out.

© 2023 Gila Bublick | Linkedin | gbublick@gmail.com