How to Follow Proper Etiquette During a First Job Phone Interview

A phone interview is often used by employers as a first tier of screening a candidate for a job. If the employer is pleased with the phone interview, he may then request that the person come to the office for a face-to-face meeting. Many people get very nervous during phone interviews because they cannot see the people who are asking them questions. This can be especially difficult for people who are interviewing for their first jobs. A phone interview will be easier when you know the proper etiquette to follow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Summary of your strengths and weaknesses
• Quiet room
• Glass of water
• Copy of your resume
• Notebook or pad of paper and pen

1. Prepare for your first job phone interview just as fully as you would for a face-to-face interview. Write down some notes detailing your accomplishments, your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any questions you have for your interviewer about the job or company. Make sure you have the proper contact information for your references.

2. Find a quiet room that you can use for your phone interview, preferably with a door that closes. Ask children or roommates to allow you this time alone so you can concentrate. Proper phone interview etiquette means allowing the interviewer to hear you clearly, so turn off your music and television during the interview.

3. Avoid eating food or chewing gum during your first job phone interview. You may keep a glass of water at your side in case your mouth becomes dry during the interview. Take small, quiet sips as needed.

4. Place your resume and notes in front of you during the phone interview, so you can follow along if the employer asks you questions about your past employment experiences. Have a notebook and pen readily available to take notes about the interview.

5. Speak at a moderate pace and enunciate clearly so your interviewer can understand what you are saying without the benefit of visual cues. Continue to follow proper interviewing etiquette by avoiding slang terms in your vocabulary or interrupting your interviewer.

6. Remember to thank your interviewer on the phone after the interview is completed. Follow up by sending a written thank-you note as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out "The Art of Phone Interviewing: Tips and Strategies for a Successful Job Interview," by Mikoel Turner, at Amazon to get more phone interview etiquette tips (see Resources below).
• Some career specialists suggest that you stand up while you are on the phone with a potential employer. You may sound more professional in a standing position than if you are sitting in a chair or on your bed during the interview. Experiment with this theory by having one of your friends conduct a mock interview for you over the phone.

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