Telephonic Interviews
Many employers will use phone interviews to do an initial candidate screening before inviting their top candidates to come in for an in-person interview. In some cases, especially where an employer is trying to save on costs associated with hiring, phone interviews may be used exclusively.
The phone interview presents some special challenges, both for the interviewer and for the candidate:
The interviewer has no way to judge the type of professional image that the candidate presents without being able to see him or her.
The candidate can't tell whether he or she is being evaluated by one or many people at the company or organization, although it is always considered good practice (and good manners!) for an interviewer to let the candidate know who is present at the interview.
The candidate can only use his or her voice to express enthusiasm or interest in the position, since the interviewer cannot see his or her body language. Depending upon personality, it can be difficult for some candidates to effectively convey interest through voice alone.
Even though you may not think of a phone interview as an ideal interview situation, it's still an opportunity for you to make a good impression—and there are many things you can do to prepare for a successful outcome.
Before The Interview
The Day Of The Interview
During The Interview
After The Interview
Before The Interview
Clarify with your employer contact exactly when your interview will take place and at which phone number (cell or residential phone). It is generally advisable to use a landline phone for an interview, since cell phone lines are often unclear and calls may be more easily dropped than with a landline.
Generally, prepare for your phone interview in the same way you would do for an in-person interview.
Ask a friend to conduct a mock interview over the phone (asking some standard interview questions) and record your answers if possible so you can listen for signs of awkwardness (e.g., frequent "umms" and "uhhhs").
Ask your friend for feedback—did you sound enthusiastic about the position? Interested? Confident?
The Day Of The Interview
Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Professional attire will put you in a professional frame of mind.
Turn off call-waiting on your phone, if possible, so your call won't be interrupted.
If you live with other people, advise them that you will be having a phone interview from x time to x time, so your housemates won't disturb you.
Plan to talk to the interviewer from a private room, with the door closed.
During The Interview
Have a printed copy of your résumé to refer to, as needed, along with any prepared notes about your accomplishments that you might wish to emphasize.
Keep a pen and notepad handy so you can jot down information or details that you might need later.
If your mouth is dry due to nerves, keep a glass of water nearby. Don't chew gum.
Speak slowly and enunciate carefully in order to be understood. Without visual cues, it can be difficult to understand someone who speaks too quickly or mumbles.
Confirm the name and title of the interviewer (and anyone else who is participating at the employer end). Write these down so you'll have them when it comes time to send a thank-you letter (or letters).
Refer to the interviewer(s) by formal title (e.g., "Mr. Smith") rather than by first name unless you are advised that less formality is appropriate.
Even though the interviewer can't see you, smile when you speak. It will help to change the tone of your voice to sound more positive.
Try to give concise answers to interview questions—provide an appropriate amount of detail, but don't ramble. It's okay to take a few moments to collect your thoughts before answering a question.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.
At the conclusion of the interview, don't forget to thank the interviewer for his or her time. Also, thank anyone else who participated in the interview. Ask if there will be a follow-up interview in person.
Ask for a mailing address or e-mail address for each person with whom you interviewed so you can follow up with thank-you letters or e-mail messages.
After The Interview
Send a thank-you letter or e-mail message to the interviewer(s) within 24 hours.
Provide any additional requested materials (if needed) to the interviewer in a timely manner.
The phone interview presents some special challenges, both for the interviewer and for the candidate:
The interviewer has no way to judge the type of professional image that the candidate presents without being able to see him or her.
The candidate can't tell whether he or she is being evaluated by one or many people at the company or organization, although it is always considered good practice (and good manners!) for an interviewer to let the candidate know who is present at the interview.
The candidate can only use his or her voice to express enthusiasm or interest in the position, since the interviewer cannot see his or her body language. Depending upon personality, it can be difficult for some candidates to effectively convey interest through voice alone.
Even though you may not think of a phone interview as an ideal interview situation, it's still an opportunity for you to make a good impression—and there are many things you can do to prepare for a successful outcome.
Before The Interview
The Day Of The Interview
During The Interview
After The Interview
Before The Interview
Clarify with your employer contact exactly when your interview will take place and at which phone number (cell or residential phone). It is generally advisable to use a landline phone for an interview, since cell phone lines are often unclear and calls may be more easily dropped than with a landline.
Generally, prepare for your phone interview in the same way you would do for an in-person interview.
Ask a friend to conduct a mock interview over the phone (asking some standard interview questions) and record your answers if possible so you can listen for signs of awkwardness (e.g., frequent "umms" and "uhhhs").
Ask your friend for feedback—did you sound enthusiastic about the position? Interested? Confident?
The Day Of The Interview
Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Professional attire will put you in a professional frame of mind.
Turn off call-waiting on your phone, if possible, so your call won't be interrupted.
If you live with other people, advise them that you will be having a phone interview from x time to x time, so your housemates won't disturb you.
Plan to talk to the interviewer from a private room, with the door closed.
During The Interview
Have a printed copy of your résumé to refer to, as needed, along with any prepared notes about your accomplishments that you might wish to emphasize.
Keep a pen and notepad handy so you can jot down information or details that you might need later.
If your mouth is dry due to nerves, keep a glass of water nearby. Don't chew gum.
Speak slowly and enunciate carefully in order to be understood. Without visual cues, it can be difficult to understand someone who speaks too quickly or mumbles.
Confirm the name and title of the interviewer (and anyone else who is participating at the employer end). Write these down so you'll have them when it comes time to send a thank-you letter (or letters).
Refer to the interviewer(s) by formal title (e.g., "Mr. Smith") rather than by first name unless you are advised that less formality is appropriate.
Even though the interviewer can't see you, smile when you speak. It will help to change the tone of your voice to sound more positive.
Try to give concise answers to interview questions—provide an appropriate amount of detail, but don't ramble. It's okay to take a few moments to collect your thoughts before answering a question.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.
At the conclusion of the interview, don't forget to thank the interviewer for his or her time. Also, thank anyone else who participated in the interview. Ask if there will be a follow-up interview in person.
Ask for a mailing address or e-mail address for each person with whom you interviewed so you can follow up with thank-you letters or e-mail messages.
After The Interview
Send a thank-you letter or e-mail message to the interviewer(s) within 24 hours.
Provide any additional requested materials (if needed) to the interviewer in a timely manner.
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