Tips on Telephone Interviews

Be prepared for your telephone interview.

Regardless of whether you are the person conducting a telephone interview or the person being interviewed, the same rules apply. First, you must be prepared for the interview. Second, give the call your complete attention. Your attitude shines through the phone line, so present yourself as someone the person on the other end of the line would like to work with. Lastly, follow up on the call.

Preparation

Your preparation for the telephone interview will show in both obvious and subtle ways. You will be more confident if you have done research on the person and organization with whom you are speaking. If you are conducting the interview, take the time to read your interviewee's resume prior to the call and make notes. It is obvious if you are looking at a resume for the first time while on the call, and this reflects poorly on you and your organization. If you are the interviewee, know as much as possible about the organization and, if possible, the person with whom you are speaking. The questions you ask in an interview are often as important as the questions asked of you. If the interview catches you by surprise, do not be afraid to claim a prior commitment and ask to reschedule. This type of excuse is completely acceptable and will gain you valuable preparation time.

Attention

Give the person on the other end of the telephone your complete and undivided attention. This cannot be overstated. Do not attempt to conduct a telephone interview while driving, attending to family, watching television or with any other potential distractions. This rule applies to both interviewer and interviewee. Your telephone interview is the first opportunity to make a positive impression, and one thing that is completely within your control is your undivided attention. Take notes and confirm important details.

Attitude

A telephone call can be a tricky form of interaction, because your only means of conveying meaning is through your voice. The content and tone of your words are all you can offer. There are a few tricks to attain an upbeat attitude that will come across in your call. Smile, and it will come through in the tone of your voice. Stand up and your voice will sound stronger. Do not smoke, drink, chew gum, eat or engage in any other behavior that can be telegraphed across the phone line. The person on the other end of the line will be able to pick up on such subtle cues.

Follow Up

If you are the interviewee, ask what the next steps in the interview process will be. This question helps set your expectations and also shows your interest in the organization and the job. Get the email address of your interviewer and send him a short email conveying thanks for the time and opportunity. If you are the interviewer, make notes immediately after the call and follow up within your organization on your responses to the interview. Do not save the notes or follow up for later. Perform these tasks while the call is fresh in your mind. Schedule enough time to follow up immediately after the call.

References

• WorkTree: How to Master Telephone Interviews
• Job-Hunt: Nine Tipes of Telephone Interview Success
• Quintessential Careers: Phone Interview Etiquette Can Propel You to the Next Step in the Hiring Process