How to Conduct a Great Phone Interview

Try to use a land line for the call; cell phones may cut out or die.

Frequently, human resources managers weed out potential employees with a phone interview before they ask the individual to come in for a face-to-face meeting with a department manager. A phone interview may be a little less stressful than the in-person interview -- you may choose to sit in your favorite easy chair in a pair of shorts and flip-flops -- but you must still exude professionalism and confidence in your skills. The phone interview will get you to the next round, so be at the top of your game when the phone rings.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Pencil
• Notepad

Instructions

1. Go into a quiet room and shut the door. Turn off any phones, televisions or radios. Turn off call waiting. Notify others that you do not want to be disturbed.

2. Be punctual and prepared for the call. The last thing you want is for the interviewer to reach your voice mail. Answer the call promptly, and say your name when you answer the phone.

3. Have a copy of your resume in front of you. Remember that the interviewer will have a copy of your resume in front of him, so speak spontaneously about your skills and experiences, and use the resume as a guide to refresh your memory.

4. Have paper and pencil ready to take notes that will help you in your face-to-face interview. Keep a "smile" in your voice to sound upbeat and positive. Keep a glass of water handy to help if your mouth gets dry, but remove gum or mints from your mouth. Don't smoke or eat.

5. Be prepared with answers to some of the general questions that may come through a phone interview. Listen to the interviewer and don't interrupt. Think for a moment or two if you need to provide a thoughtful answer to the interviewer's questions. Give concise answers. Speak clearly.

6. Write down the questions you answered so that you will be better prepared for the in-person interview. Say "Thank You" when finished with the interviewer, and tell him you hope to meet face-to-face to further discuss your qualifications.

7. Follow up the interview with a thank you note.

References

• Common Good Careers: The Art of the Phone Interview
• Technorati: How Not to Blow a Phone Interview - Part One: Daphne Wotherspoon
• Apple and Associates: Phone Interview Tips
• Avita Career Management: Five Top Tips For a Great Telephone Interview

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish