Interview by phone are not an easy call

Dear Amy: I’m about to have my second phone interview.

Pre-pandemic, I took great pride in showing off my good people skills and confident demeanor. I enjoyed courteously greeting my interviewers, flashing a big smile, and delivering a solid handshake. I spent many years in customer service so I know how to smile over the phone, but how do I compensate for all the other stuff ? — Living the New Normal

Dear Living: My own experience with job hunting is that the in-person interview was receding long before the pandemic hit. Depending on the career, typically job candidates are expected to take online personality tests, write essays describing the color of their parachute, and then go through at least two phone interviews. And yes, it can be very challenging to hit all the right notes when you can’t rely on facial expressions.

My advice is that you do your homework, researching the company you wish to join and the job description of the position. Understand and write down key metrics applicable to the job. Connect with the interviewer (if possible) on LinkedIn or social media.

Have your resume printed out and in front of you. Start by listening. Relate specific positive job experiences that will enhance your application.

Be prepared to discuss (sigh) your greatest weakness or most regrettable failure.

Ask an industry-specific question.

Connect any outside applicable experiences that may be interesting or quirky.

End the call on a note.

Wait a couple of hours and send a (short) “thank you” email, referencing back to at least one detail from the interview. Express your sincere enthusiasm for the position.

And then the waiting begins. positive