You’ve landed a phone interview for that dealership role you’ve been eyeing – congratulations! But now what do you do?
Phone interviews can be tricky. You can’t rely on a firm handshake or a winning smile to make a good impression. Instead, you need to showcase your skills and personality through your voice and words alone.
Don’t worry, though! With the right preparation, you can turn that phone call into a stepping stone towards your dream job. Here’s how to ace your phone interview with a recruiter.
Do your homework
Just because it’s a phone call doesn’t mean you can wing it. It can be hard to research the company when going through a recruiter like Teamrecruit, because this is usually confidential initially. But what you can do is read and then re-read any marketing for the specific role thoroughly. Understand the products, desired candidate traits, and responsibilities. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest.
Pro Tip: For dealership roles, familiarise yourself with product segment and any recent news or industry trends.
Create a cheat sheet (but don't cheat!)
A phone interview is a great opportunity to have some notes handy. Jot down key points you want to emphasise, relevant skills and experience, and questions you want to ask. This will help you stay focused and ensure you cover everything important.
Important: Don’t just read off your notes! Use them as a guide not a script, otherwise you risk sounding unnatural and awkward to the interviewer.
Practice makes perfect
Do a mock interview with a friend or family member. This will help you get comfortable answering questions over the phone and refine your communication style. Record yourself to identify any areas for improvement, such as speaking clearly and concisely.
Set the stage for success
Find a quiet, distraction-free location with good phone reception. Let your housemates or family know you need uninterrupted time. Even consider dressing up a bit – it can help you get in the right mindset for the phone interview.
Be prepared to answer (and ask) questions
Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses. But don’t forget to ask your own questions too! This shows your engagement and helps you gather valuable information about the role and the company.
Questions to consider asking:
- What are the key challenges and opportunities in this role?
- How would you describe the company culture?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Follow up with a thank you
Just like with an in-person interview, a thank you note is a professional touch that leaves a good impression after your interview. Send a brief email expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in the position.
Remember:
- A phone interview is your first impression. Be confident, enthusiastic, and prepared to showcase your best self.
- The recruiter is on your side. They want to find the right fit for the role, so be open and honest in your responses to interview questions.
- Relax and enjoy the conversation. Let your personality shine through and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to acing your phone interview and landing that dream dealership job!
Teamrecruit is Australia’s most established recruitment agency specialising in truck, earthmoving and agricultural machinery dealerships in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. Find out more about Teamrecruit and how we support employers and candidates in the dealership industry.
