How to Conduct a Phone Interview

Phone interviews are a way for employers to save time while screening job applicants. They give potential employees an opportunity to make a good impression and set themselves apart. Whether you are an employer or an applicant, phone interview etiquette is skill that could make or break a new job.

Instructions

Interviewing a Potential Employee

1. Utilize phone interviews to quickly thin out a pool of applicants. Use the time to identify those who fit your criteria.

2. Organize your information before you make the call. Review the applicant's resumes, references and a description of the job in question.

3. Make a list of questions and points about the job. Include questions about the applicant's skill base, their work history, their future plans, personal situation, their knowledge about your company and any other pertinent details. This list keeps the interview moving and insures you have all the information you need.

4. Call the applicant at the scheduled time. Have your questions, pen and paper ready. Also include any other people relevant to hiring for the position. Place the resume of the applicant in front of you during the call. This allows you to clarify any information and to refer to their experience.

5. Explain your company's hiring process and what you expect of the applicant.

6. Avoid long breaks in the conversation. These make an employer look less professional. Some silence forces a response from the applicant, but too much silence makes it look like you are unorganized.

7. Evaluate the applicant's skills and work experience. Ask how their skills will convert to and improve your business.

8. Assess how serious the applicant is about the position. This helps you know if it is worth scheduling a future interview.

9. Arrange a time for a follow-up interview if you feel the applicant is right for your company.

Talking with a Future Employer

1. Schedule the phone interview at a time you can concentrate and talk without any interruptions.

2. Research the company you are interviewing for. Visit the company's website. Speak with the chamber of commerce, family and friends about the company.

3. Practice answering interview question so you have quick and precise answers to the interviewer's questions.

4. Make a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Asking questions makes an applicant appear interested in the position.

5. Walk around during the interview. The movement expresses energy in your voice and makes you sound eager.

6. Avoid eating, drinking or chewing gum during the interview. This makes you sound muffled and unprofessional. An occasional sip from a glass of water works if your mouth gets dry.

7. Respond to questions with short and concise answers. Do not take up too much of the interviewer's time.

8. Tell the truth. Admit it when you don't have an answer to a question. It is better to say that you don't know something than to lie. Ask the interview if you can find the answer and get back to her with a response.

9. Ask about the next step in the interview process. Appear interested in furthering your relationship with the company.

Tips & Warnings

• Phone interviews generally last between 10 and 20 minutes.

• Do not use a speaker phone. It is hard to hear because they pick up background conversations and noise.

• Do not be modest; sell yourself. When practicing your responses, don't be afraid to boast. They should be impressed by you.

Resources

• Find resources about interviews for both job seekers and employers.
• Look up information about interview etiquette.