Phone Interview
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Telephone Interview Techniques for Success
Find the best place to take the call
Make sure you have a quiet place to take the phone interview call where you will not be disturbed. It should be comfortable to sit or stand and have a table where you can lay out your portfolio and papers. You need to be able to easily go through your notes, take notes and concentrate.
If you are at work make sure you can talk freely. Avoid taking the call where there is too much background noise.
Get rid of all distractions
If you have a scheduled time for your telephone interview make sure all distractions are dealt with beforehand. Turn off the TV and your computer. Let the rest of the household know that you need a quiet period and not to interrupt you.
If you receive the call unexpectedly, ask the interviewer for a moment to organize yourself and get rid of all distractions.
Try to reschedule if the phone interview comes at an awkward time
If an interview call catches you at a really difficult moment it is in your best interests to try and reschedule it. Tell the interviewer you are unable to give the call the attention it deserves and suggest a couple of possible times that you can call back. You will not come across as disinterested but rather as a candidate who wants to maximize this opportunity.
Have all the necessary materials ready
This is one of the most important phone interview tips. Have in front of you:
- pen and paper
- your portfolio or folder of information (company research, job posting, resume, interview answer notes, questions to ask)
- your diary to schedule the next interview
View this Job Interview Question List to prepare a couple of good questions to ask the interviewer during your phone interview.
Prepare for common Phone Interview Questions using these guidelines.
Make sure your posture allows for good breathing and voice projection techniques
Phone interview tips suggest standing up during the phone interview makes the candidate sound more confident. However you should do what feels most comfortable and natural, keeping in mind you will want to refer to your notes and perhaps make notes too.
If you do the phone interview sitting down make sure your posture is upright and attentive and not slumped down in your chair. Speak directly into the phone.
Walking around while talking can cause breathlessness and takes away from the authority of your voice.
Dress for the part
This may sound like a strange phone interview tip! Even though the interviewer can't see you, dressing smartly to take the scheduled call makes you feel professional and prepared. You will automatically act and sound more serious and business-like during the telephone interview if you are dressed up for the call and not in your bathrobe!
Addressing the interviewer
Use the interviewer's title and last name, Mrs Smith, unless they specifically ask you to call them by their first name.
Be aware of your voice and tone. No smoking, chewing gum, eating or slurping coffee. However keep a glass of water handy so you can just wet your tongue and throat if they become dry.
If you smile while you talk it will project a positive tone to the listener. Sound energetic and interested.
Avoid "ers and ums", these are particularly noticeable on the phone. You can reduce this by having key words ready for your answers.
Check your rate of talking
Speak slowly and clearly. Phone interview tips always highlight that candidates fail when they dominate the conversation. Avoid interrupting the interviewer. Make sure they have finished speaking before you start your response by waiting a few seconds before you answer. Allow yourself time to collect and organize your thoughts before answering. Use the technique of rephrasing or repeating questions to give yourself time to think about your answer.
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Don't feel you have to fill the silences This is a common error made by candidates on the phone. Because they cannot see what the interviewer is doing during the silence they feel compelled to fill it with babble! |
If you have completed your answer and the interviewer is quiet it is probably because they are making notes or sorting through their questions. Allow time for this.
Avoid yes and no answers
Always try to include more information that highlights your suitability for the position. Answer with sufficient information to show that you are a good job candidate.
Close the call
End off with a good question for the interviewer. Restate your interest in the company and position. Reaffirm your suitability and that you would appreciate an opportunity to discuss the job further and in person.
If the interviewer asks you what salary you are looking for at the end of the phone interview you can reply by saying that you don't know enough yet about the job and company to realistically give a figure. This sets you up for the next stage.It is quite acceptable ask the interviewer what the time frame is for deciding who will be interviewed face-to-face. Make a note to follow up. Hang up only after the interviewer has.
You can view good sample closing statements at Closing the Interview.
After the call
Essential phone interview tips include sending a thank you note. Immediately after the phone interview send a thank you either by post or email. Make sure you get the correct name of the interviewer, check with the company switchboard if you are unsure. Something along these lines would be appropriate.
"I appreciate the time you took on the phone with me today. I enjoyed our discussion and look forward to learning more about the position and company at an on-site interview. Thank you for your efforts and I look forward to hearing from you."
View sample Interview Thank You Letters to help you with your phone interview follow up.
Follow these phone interview tips to handle the phone interview like a proper professional and stand out as the candidate they want.
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