How to Ace a Job Interview Over the Phone

Job interviews over the phone are more commonplace nowadays than in decades past. Sometimes this is because the job is hundreds of miles away. Other times, a phone interview is a pre-screening meeting before a face-to-face talk. Either way, there are certain rules of conduct that can help you win that job during a phone interview.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Notepad and pen

Prepare for the Call

1. Spend a few hours preparing for an impromptu phone interview. If you've applied to several companies, these calls could take place at any time. Some employers will call you for more information before bringing you in for a formal interview, so you must be ready with succinct answers and a personable tone.
2. Be as reachable as possible. Have both a home phone and cell phone number on your resume and make sure to answer any and all calls when possible. If an employer has to play "phone tag" with you too often, he or she will likely lose interest.
3. Have a brief list of accomplishments as well as a pen and paper waiting by the phone during your job search to ensure that you are prepared at all times.
4. Tape record yourself on a phone call during a mock interview with a friend or family member. Take note of stumbles, "ums" and other awkward moments so that you eliminate those bad habits before actual job interview calls.

Conduct a Confident Conversation

5. Use appropriate phone demeanor: Be polite and free of distractions when taking a job interview phone call.
6. Ask kindly to call a potential employer back if he/she catches you at a bad time. When you do return the call, apologize once again for having to do so and be sure to call precisely at the scheduled time.
7. Speak with confidence, but don't talk over the interviewer. Let him/her guide you through a line of questioning, and reserve your comments until the end (unless asked).

Follow Up After a Phone Job Interview

8. Thank the interviewer for his/her time at the end of the call and then again the next day. You can do this through another call or a hand-written thank-you note sent directly to the office.
9. Emphasize your interest in your upcoming interview if your phone conversation leads to a face-to-face meeting.
10. Confirm the date, time and location the day before your next interview.

Tips & Warnings

• Never answer personal questions over the phone. According to U.S. Federal law, it is illegal for companies to ask about your marital status, sexual orientation, age, race, religion or physical ability.

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