How to Take Charge of Your Phone Interview

You submitted a great resume and your potential employer wants to interview you for the position by telephone. If you’ve never had a phone interview before, the prospect can be daunting. All those tools you’ve come to rely on in face-to-face interviews--your appearance, personality, animation and enthusiasm--won’t help you make your case over the phone. Well, not exactly. A phone interview does change the dynamic of the interview, but with a few adjustments you can still sell yourself and win the job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Ask for a day and time for the interview that will let you control your environment. You’ll need a quiet, private place to have this important phone conversation. Interruptions from family, pets or co-workers can create distractions during the call that could be enough to end your chances right there. If the only available times for the call are during your work day, decide whether this call is important enough to arrange for time off from your job. Gently inform your family that the best way they can support you is to leave the room during your interview.
2. Confirm the details. Most companies arranging phone interviews will give you an approximate length of time for the call. If they don’t, ask. You need that information to create the right environment for a successful interview. Also be sure you know whether they will call you or you will call them at the appointed time. Make sure the calling party has the correct phone number. These seemingly insignificant details can turn your carefully planned interview into an uncomfortable or unprofessional experience if you don’t nail them down in advance.
3. Prepare your tools. When all the preliminary arrangements have been made it’s time to prepare for the actual interview. A land line phone is better than a cell phone for this important conversation. There may come a day when cell phones offer the same sound quality and reliability as land lines, but we’re not there yet. You don’t want the interviewer to keep asking if you can speak up or move to a clear spot. Also a phone that has a port for a headset attachment is a real plus. If you are asked to refer to a document or find a website, a headset will leave your hands free for that task.
4. Fine tune your presentation. If you have a way to be on the phone and online simultaneously, do it. You can have the company website up when they call, ready to access if you need it. That kind of thoughtful attention to detail can make a great impression.
5. Remember that your facial expressions and body language don’t mean a thing during a phone interview. Listen carefully to everything that is said. When you respond, take your time. Try to relax and be your natural self. Don’t be afraid to show your warmth as well as your professionalism. They want to like you and they want to know who you are. Answer questions thoroughly but succinctly. One advantage of a phone interview is that you can keep a cheat sheet handy to remind you of points you want to make.
6. Don’t forget to thank them at the end of the call. And give yourself a pat on the back--you did it!

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