More and more medical sales (including pharmaceutical sales) companies are requiring Job Candidates to have a  phone interview with the Hiring Manager as the first step towards being granted a “face to face” interview.  In some of the larger companies the Human Resource Department will conduct the first phone interview and then schedule you for a second phone interview with the Hiring Manager.  If you pass all the phone interview exercises, you are granted the opportunity to meet with the Hiring Manager for the first “face to face” interview.  Add on top of this process the phone discussion or pre-screen you had with your recruiter and you could have up to three barrier points of entry before you get to the real stuff; the actual “person to person” live interview!

What does this mean?  As this practice becomes more common place, understanding how to conduct yourself and present yourself via the phone becomes critical.  A first impression in a phone interview is limited to really two things: audio impression and the printed word (your resume) to the interviewer. 

Emphasis on the first impression is shifted from the visual to the audio in a phone interview.  Most Job Candidates do not realize that this really changes the entire playing field!  In any game, you must understand how to prepare yourself and which skills will be needed to make it a win.  Many top tennis players know the skill differences needed to play on a slow clay court vs. a fast grass court.  Clay courts take away most of the advantages of a big serve, much like a phone interview taking away the advantage of “The Dress for Success” impression of the interview!  So how do you play the phone interview?  By understanding what works and what does not work. (more…)