10 Ways to Blow an initial phone or video Interview.

1. Rush right in.

Neglecting to establish rapport.

This is a sales call, and the product is YOU. Make some small talk, warm things up, and create synergy as you would in front of a customer.

2. Buzz killer

Interrupting.

Pause for a second or two after someone speaks to make sure they're done (Take a breath - but not into the phone). Make sure you understand the question before you jump in, cut them off, and answer.

3. Ball hog

Running with the conversation ball and refusing to pass it back.

Be a team player. Interviews are conversations. Answer the question but don't run on to the next subject wildly holding the ball. If you nail the phone interview, you'll have plenty of time to speak of your accomplishments in a face-to-face interview.

4. Play dead

Going monotone.

Again, this is a sales call, and the product is YOU. Stand as you speak on the phone, find a quiet spot, smile and let emotion and energy come through your voice as though you were standing in front of the hiring manager.

5. Role reversal

Taking over.

A phone interview is meant to impress the manager enough to get a face to face, not to interview them. There will be time for that later.

6. Deal breaker

Ignoring the need to research the company.

A simple search on the website as well as LinkedIn will give you a great answer to the question: Why are you interested in this role? …which leads us to #7

7. Selfishness doesn’t sell

Making your reasons for wanting the job about yourself.

Telling your sob story of how you need to make more money, want to break into XYZ sales, or how need a new job because you hate your current culture is like telling a customer: Listen, I need this sale because I need to make my mortgage payment this month. It's not about you. It's about why you’re a great fit for the role and how you can help them make their number.

8. You know what they say about assuming!

Assuming it went well and you're moving to the next step.

Managers, for the most part, wear a polite and friendly game face because they represent their company. If they start talking about the next step and the process, it's not a guarantee that you'll be part of that next step. Formally close them for the next step. Ask for the sale which in this case, is moving forward in the process.

9. Drag your feet.

Forgetting to send a thank you email immediately.

If you need to wait until you're in front of your computer that evening, it's fine (and preferred so you don't typo on your phone), but waiting until the next day puts you behind the pack of eager beavers competing for the role and sending timely thank you emails.

10. Silence

Neglecting to follow up with your recruiter.

This sounds personal, but managers trust good recruiters. 9 out of 10 will call the recruiter the next day and ask what type of follow-up and feedback they've received from candidates. A good recruiter won't lie for you. The hiring manager and the recruiter are your customers at this point in the game, don't neglect them.

Now go get that next interview! ??