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How to Ace a Telephone Interview

Member
By datboiwayne
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)
Ace a Telephone Interview
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. Step 1
    practice
     
    practice

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

  2. Step 2
    call waiting
     
    call waiting

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

  3. Step 3
    nonoise
     
    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. Step 4
    paperwork
     
    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. Step 5
    no smoking
     
    no smoking

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

  6. Step 6
    speak clearly
     
    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. Step 7
    intro
     
    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. Step 8
    listen
     
    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. Step 9
    questions
     
    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. Step 10
    Salary
     
    Salary

    Avoid salary discussions in a phone interview.

  11. Step 11
    job is yours
     
    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.

Comments  

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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.

Flag This Comment

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

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