How to Conduct Yourself in a Phone Interview
Companies commonly use phone interviews as the first and only way to screen applicants, so your conduct during these calls carries much weight. Hiring managers use these calls as an informational interview, or to gather additional details about your background. Phone interviews usually have a formal and professional tone, similar to the way you speak with sales and customer service agents, when ordering products or banking over the telephone. Your handling of the phone interview with a prospective employer can make the difference between losing the opportunity to effectively sell yourself or successfully sealing the deal.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Pretest and get critiques about the quality of your interviewing skills and your phone equipment, by role-playing with another person acting as the interviewer on a mock telephone call. On the day of the official phone interview, have your resume and other supporting documentation nearby, and print out a copy of the job description, for reference. If you are sitting down make sure your chair is ergonomic. Alternatively, stand up in a stationary and comfortable position during the interview to expand your lungs, helping you breathe in more fresh air. Have a cup of water nearby and take a sip when you are parched, but politely ask permission from the interviewer.
-
2
Answer the incoming call quickly, but avoid sounding anxious or rushed. Use a business professional greeting, like "Hello" or "Hello. This is [Your First Name] speaking." Practice sounding genuine and fluid, especially if the job opening involves heavy verbal communication.
-
-
3
Listen and wait for a response from the interviewer. He usually states the company's name, his position/title, and the nature of the call. Let the interviewer control the call, and assume very little about the direction of the call. Be prepared for small talk, such as the weather. This is probably the most important step, because you can make an impression using conversational skills.
-
4
State your answer after the interviewer has asked the full question. Avoid cutting him off. Repeat and paraphrase the question to confirm you heard and correctly understood the question. Use statements of affirmation, such as, "Oh, sure. I understand what you are asking." Be prepared to provide an alternative answer, if the interviewer did not understand or fully appreciate your first response. Have a pen and pencil ready, and write down complex questions that require a detailed series of responses. If you need to pause, politely ask for a moment to compose your answer.
-
5
Ask your own questions about the job opening, and the company, only after the interviewer has completed her questions. Have a thoughtful and intelligent list of questions prepared before the call; but you might write down additional last-minute questions that come up during the interview.
-
6
End the phone call after the interviewer gives the signal that the interview is over. He might say something like, "Myself or someone from our office will contact you with our decision." Also, be prepared for a spontaneous job offer. Use a professional closing, such as, "Thank you for the chance to interview for this opportunity, [Interviewer's Name]. Good bye."
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Obtain a headset for your corded, cordless or cell phone, freeing your hands to write down questions and compose responses.
Temporarily use "call forwarding" features to conduct the interview from a better phone number (landline or neighbor), if your existing number and equipment lack quality.
Put a personal picture of you at a happy moment in front of you, as a reminder to smile. Use a mirror to visually catch yourself losing the "smile in your voice."
Wake up the day of the phone interview and dress in business casual, but comfortable attire, to put yourself in mindset that you are about engage in a professional interview.
Give the interviewer a one-hour, or longer, buffer before and after the scheduled start time.
Ask and know about time zones differences.
Post-interview small talk is acceptable, if the interviewer prompts you and is open to it. However, be aware that she is probably on a busy time schedule.
References
- Virginia Tech: Career Services: Telephone Interviews and Screening; Jim Gresham; May 2011
- Dummies.com: How to Use Phone Interviews to Narrow Job Candidates; Harold Messmer, Jr.;
- Yale University: Human Resources: Top 10 Phone Interview Tips & Techniques
- University of Pennsylvania: Career Services: Preparing for Business and Professional Interviews; 2010
- CBS MoneyWatch.com: Ace Your Phone Interview: 21 Quick and Simple Tips; Amy Levin-Epstein; May 2011
- "U.S. News and World Report"; 17 Tips to Ace Your Next Phone Interview; Andrew G. Rosen; June 2011
Resources
- Photo Credit Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
