What to Say When You Get a Call for an Interview (Pro Tips)

As a job seeker, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting a call for an interview. 

It’s exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. 

But before you start practicing your answers to potential interview questions, you need to know what to say when you get a call for an interview. 

This initial conversation is just as important as the interview itself, as it sets the tone for the rest of the hiring process.

In this blog post, I will provide you with examples of what to say when you get a call for an interview, along with tips on how to prepare for the call and respond to interview questions. 

By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident and prepared to handle your next interview call like a pro.

SEE ALSO: HOW DO YOU SAY “I DON’T KNOW” IN AN INTERVIEW?

Preparing for the Call

Before you even pick up the phone, it’s essential to be prepared for the call. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

1. Review the job posting: Look over the job posting again and remind yourself of the qualifications and responsibilities. This will help you tailor your responses during the call.
2. Research the company: Do some research on the company you’re interviewing with. Learn about their products or services, their mission statement, and their values. This information can help you connect with the interviewer and demonstrate your interest in the job. 
3. Keep your resume and cover letter close: You should also have a copy of your resume and cover letter nearby, so you can reference them if needed.
4. Choose a quiet location: Make sure you’re in a quiet and distraction-free environment during the call. Find a private space where you won’t be interrupted or distracted by noise.

Responding to the Call for an Interview

When you answer the call, be sure to greet the interviewer by their name. 

If you’re not sure who’s calling, you can ask for their name and company before proceeding.

Here’s an example of how to answer the call professionally:

“Hello, this is [Your Name].”

“Hi [Interviewer’s Name], it’s great to speak with you.”

“Yes, thank you for calling.”

“I’m excited to speak with you about the position.”

Remember to speak clearly and confidently during the call.

Responding to Interview Questions

Once you’ve introduced yourself, the interviewer will likely start asking you questions. 

Here are some examples of common interview questions and how to respond to them:

“Tell me about yourself.”

This is your chance to give a brief overview of your background, experience, and skills. Keep your answer concise and relevant to the job.

“Why are you interested in this position?”

Explain why you’re interested in the job and how your skills and experience align with the role.

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

Highlight your strengths and explain how they make you a good fit for the job. For weaknesses, be honest but also explain how you’re working to improve.

Remember to tailor your responses to the specific job and company. Use your research to your advantage and showcase your knowledge of the company during the call.

Asking Questions in a Call for an Interview

At the end of the call, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. 

This is a great opportunity to show your interest in the position and company. Here are some questions you can ask:

• Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the position?
• How does the company support professional development for its employees?
• What qualities do successful employees at the company possess?
• Remember to listen carefully to the interviewer’s responses and ask follow-up questions if needed.

Wrapping up the Call for an Interview

As the call comes to an end, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and express your enthusiasm for taking the time to speak with you. 

This is your final opportunity to make a positive impression, so be sure to leave the interviewer with a lasting impression of your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role.

Here are a few examples of how to wrap up the call:

“Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with your team and look forward to hearing back from you soon.”

“I appreciate the chance to discuss my qualifications with you. Please let me know if there is any further information I can provide, and I hope to have the opportunity to meet with you in person.”

“It was a pleasure speaking with you today. Thank you for considering me for this role. I look forward to learning more about the next steps in the interview process.”

After the call, take a few moments to jot down some notes about what was discussed and any follow-up items you need to address. This will help you stay organized and prepared for the next steps in the interview process.

Following Up with a Thank-You Note or Email

After the call, be sure to send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer. 

This is a great opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. 

It’s also a chance to highlight any key points that were discussed during the call and to showcase your enthusiasm for the role.

Here is an example of a thank-you note or email:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Position] role at [Company]. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and learn more about the position and your team.

After our conversation, I am even more excited about the prospect of joining [Company] and contributing to your team’s success. I believe my skills and experience would be a great match for the role, and I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you require any further information or if there are any next steps in the interview process that I should be aware of.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Final Thoughts

Getting a call for an interview is an exciting opportunity to take the next step in your career. 

Remember to take the time to research the company, review the job posting, and prepare responses to common interview questions. 

Make a strong first impression by answering the call professionally, greeting the interviewer by name, and expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity. 

Don’t be afraid of asking thoughtful questions during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. And be sure to end the call on a positive note by thanking the interviewer for their time.

Finally, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note or email to reiterate your interest in the position and leave a lasting impression. 

With these tips and examples, you can be well-prepared and confident for your next interview call.

FAQs

What should I do if I miss the interviewer’s call?

If you miss the interviewer’s call, make sure to call them back as soon as possible. Apologize for missing their call and ask if it’s a good time to talk. If not, schedule another time for the interview.

Should I prepare a script for the interview call?

While it’s important to prepare for the interview call, it’s not necessary to have a script. Instead, practice your responses to common interview questions and have some notes ready.

What if I don’t know the answer to a question?

If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit it. Be honest and explain how you would go about finding the answer.

Can I ask the interviewer about salary during the interview call?

It’s generally not appropriate to ask about salary during the initial interview call. Wait until later in the interview process or until an offer is made.

Should I follow up with the interviewer after the call?

Yes, it’s a good idea to follow up with a thank-you note or email after the interview call. Use this opportunity to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the job.