How to Ace Your Phone Interview

During a Phone Interview, the employer interviews potential applicants who appear qualified for the advertised job after the resume and cover letter are reviewed. This is typically the first formal meeting between an applicant and a future employer and the most critical. 

The meetings, which are by phone, are conducted by one person, usually the hiring manager or a Human Resources staff member, who ask the same questions of each candidate.  The phone interview provides the employer the preliminary opportunity to determine if the applicant's qualifications, experience, workplace preferences and salary needs are right for the position and company.  The phone interview an efficient and effective way for a company to decide who will be invited in for an in-person interview. 

The most important part is to prepare for it as though it is an in-person interview. Since it may not feel as formal as an in-person interview, some applicants fail to treat them as an essential part of the job hunting process.  Dedicate as much time to preparing for a phone interview as you would for an initial meeting in person.

Here are a few tips on the “Do’s and Don’ts” to help you prepare for your next phone interview. 

Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.

When in job-hunting mode, Don't have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.

Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.

Do know what job you are interviewing for.

Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone.

When being interviewed by phone, Do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate.

If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, Do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It's often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.

Do consider using a phone interview log.

Do consider keeping some note cards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You Don't want your responses to sound scripted, but you Don't want to fumble for important points either.

Do also have your resume in front of you so you can remember highlights of your experience and accomplishments.

Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.

Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you'll sound more professional than if you're slouching in an easy chair.

Do consider dressing nicely for the phone interview. It may sound silly since the interviewer can't see you, but you really will project a more professional image if you're dressed for the part instead of wearing, for example, a ratty bathrobe.

Don't feel you have to fill in the silences. If you've completed a response, but the interviewer hasn't asked his or her next question, Don't start babbling just to fill in airtime.

Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.

Don't panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.

Don't snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can't avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me.”

Don't chew gum or food, or drink anything noisy.

Best of luck in you next phone interview.