How to Ace a Telephone Interview

These step-by-step instructions will help you ace the telephone interview which most companies use as a screening method nowadays.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen
• Pencil
• Paper
• "I got it!" attitude

1. 
    
   practice

   Practice makes perfect. Practice with a family member or a friend prior to your initial phone interview.

2. 
    
   call waiting

   Disable call waiting, nothing irritates a recruiter more than being put on hold.

3. 
    
   nonoise

   Make sure there is no background music, i.e., pets, music, kids, computer, doorbells, television, etc and if possible, try NOT to use a cellular phone, land lines are BEST. With cell phones you have to worry about static, call waiting, dropped calls and possibly asking the recruiter to repeat a question or comment.

4. 
    
   paperwork

   Have your resume, cover letter, pencil and paper (for notes), and your list of (4-6) questions and strengths in front of you.

5. 
    
   no smoking

   Do not smoke, chew gum, eat or drink during the interview.

6. 
    
   speak clearly

   Speak clearly into the receiver and regulate your voice. Hold the receiver well. Speak in a normal tone or a notch slower. Your voice is the only way you have of showing enthusiasm for the job. Your voice reveals both your personality and your attitude toward the caller and the conversation. Don’t forget to smile! It makes a big difference in a conversation, even on the telephone. (the recruiter knows this).

7. 
    
   intro

   Introduce yourself clearly and directly. Engage in some “small talk” at the start of the interview, just as you would a face-to-face interview.

8. 
    
   listen

   Listen. Without the visual communication of an in-person interview, it can be tough to know when to stop talking. Make sure you speak slowly and articulately. When you have answered the question, allow for 2-3 seconds of silence. This will let the interviewer know that you are finished with your answer and that it's ok to proceed. Listen and wait for them to finish with their next question, and then proceed with your response.

9. 
    
   questions

   Have at least 4-6 questions to ask the interviewer about the position or company (this shows your interest in the job) and you can do this by going to the company website and doing your own research.

10. 
     
    Salary

    Avoid salary discussions in a phone interview.

11. 
     
    job is yours

    ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS thank them for their time and let them know that you are interested in the position by saying so and finally, ask when it is convenient to meet for a face to face interview.

[tracysmith159]

on 6/17/2009 Thanks for the information. My husband has done a few phone interviews, I'm glad I have not had to do this yet.

[lordjeffrey]

on 6/17/2009 I liked all the little pictures next to your steps, good job :)