Quintessential Careers Press:
The Quintessential Guide to Job Interview Preparation Chapter 3: What type of Interview?
Learn the various types of interviews and how to be ready for them
Page 6
Phone interview
Employers are increasingly using phone interviews as a cost-saving, screening device,
especially to cut down on travel expenses to bring in candidates from distant locations.
Many of the same principles of effective interviewing apply to phone interviews, but some
aspects are quite different. Here are some guidelines for successful phone interviews:
In the event the interviewer misses you when calling to schedule the interview, be
sure you have a professional-sounding outgoing greeting on your voicemail or answering
machine. If you have others in your household, ensure that anyone who might answer the
phone can professionally take a message.
Consider enlisting a friend or family member to conduct a mock phone interview with
you for practice.
Try to arrange to be the one who places the call so you have control over exactly
when the interview takes place. If not, at least schedule the call at a specific time rather
than in a general span of time so you will be prepared at the exact appointment time.
Be sure you schedule as much time as the interviewer needs. If the interviewer calls
and wants to do the interview on the spot, tell him or her how much time you have
available (if you have any constraints). Offer to call right back or reschedule if you’re
in the middle of something.
Favor a landline for the interview over your cell phone, especially if your cell phone
is prone to dropped calls.
Be sure you’re in a quiet, secluded place, free of distractions, at the time of your
phone-interview appointment.
While it’s tempting to do the interview in your PJs or bathrobe – simply because
you can – dress nicely for the session, perhaps even in formal interview attire,
because you will project yourself in a more confident and professional manner if you
do.
Some experts advise standing up for the interview as this position also enables
you to project yourself professionally and helps your voice carry.
Speak clearly and ensure that you can be heard.
Avoid any behaviors that will cause distracting sounds during the interview,
such as gum-chewing, coughing, snuffling, sneezing, throat-clearing. Have a glass
of water handy in case your throat gets dry or ticklish. If you feel yourself going off on,
for example, an unstoppable coughing jag, ask if the interviewer would like to reschedule.
Just as you should smile in a face-to-face interview to project enthusiasm, smile
as much as possible in the phone interview. The interviewer can’t see your smile but
will hear it in your voice.
Next Page