Phone Interviewing Tips: How to Prepare for an Effective Phone Interview

In one sense a phone interview is basically an initial screening done by an organization’s employment recruiter or a hiring manager as to rule out the pool of applicants who don’t meet specific job requirements. Actually, there are two parts to a phone interview process. The first call is usually done before an actual scheduled phone interview and the face-to-face interview to determine if the prospective candidate meets the requirements for the job the company is seeking to fill.  If the recruiter determines that the prospect meets the criteria she can then proceed to the second phase to schedule a date for an actual phone interview with the candidate. She will give the selected candidate dates and times she is available for the interview, and the individual should select the time that is most convenient for them. Keep in mind that your phone interview is just as important as your face-to-face interview. Therefore, it’s imperative that you make a good first impression during your phone interview so that you can be offered a face-to-face interview. A phone interview allows an individual the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents to a company before a face-to-face interview. Here are tips that could help make your phone interview a success.

1.       First and foremost, you should learn as much as you can about the company and the position you are interested in before your interview and as soon as you know the company is interested in you.  You can obtain this information by visiting the company’s website online or you can call the company directly. The interviewer will be quite impressed with your knowledge of the company and your familiarity of the job duties and responsibilities.

2.       On the day of your second-scheduled phone interview, make sure that you have a copy of a current resume, a notepad, operable writing tool, calendar, good references, and a working phone.  It’s fine to use your cell phone, just make sure that you charge it up before your interview. And by all means, be on time! In fact, it’s best that you are near the phone that your call will come through before time. For example, if your interview is scheduled for 11:00 am, you should be prepared to receive your call at 10:45 am.  This is to ensure that you are available at 11:00 with all necessary documents and tools. Caution: avoid using the phone speaker as to avoid annoying background noises and bad reception.

3.       Prepare questions that you would like to ask the interviewer about the company, the position, benefits etc. at the appropriate time during the interview.  You should also make a list of your strengths and weaknesses and be prepared to communicate them to the interviewer when asked.

4.       Choose an area that is free from noise and distractions.  Don’t choose an area where you could possibly be interrupted!

5.       Do not chew gum or eat during your interview.  This is very unprofessional and rude. Water is okay or other non-alcoholic beverage…you may need it, should your mouth become dry from talking.

6.       Listen carefully as the caller speaks and answer all questions truthfully and professionally. Keep in mind that you may be asked the same questions as that in a face-to-face interview. Nonetheless, your ultimate goal should be to win a face-to-face interview and eventually get the job.

7.       Feel free to refer to your resume when asked questions about your background, skills, work history, etc.

8.       Keep your answers brief and on point -yet expressing your sincere interest in the position.

9.       Never interrupt the interviewer. At some point the interviewer, will ask you if you have any questions and this is where you would respond by asking the questions that you have prepared.

10.   Remember to take notes during your interview…you will more than likely have to refer back to them, especially if are offered a face-to-face interview.

11.   Wrapping it up: At the completion of your interview, the interviewer will explain the next steps, such as scheduling an in person interview, furnish references, required testing (some test can be done online), etc. Be sure to follow through.  And in some cases the interviewer may express that she will get back to you.  This may come in the form of a letter, email, or a phone call. 

12.   When you are sure that the interview is done, be sure to thank the interviewer for the opportunity before you hang up. You may also want to follow with a thank you letter.

Much success!