I hate phone interviews! I find it extremely difficult to make a connection with a stranger without being able to look in their eyes and read their body language. Given the choice between a root canal and a phone interview, I would choose the root canal, since the dentist at least gives you Novocain. But phone interviews are now the norm, even for many local jobs, so here are a few tips I have learned the hard way:
Screen your phone calls: If you don’t recognize the number, let your voicemail pick it up. There are several reasons not to answer that first phone call. Some interviewers will want to do an immediate interview, and it is not to your advantage to do even a casual interview without some preparation. You will also avoid the chance of embarrassing interruptions. I have had my cell phone run out of batteries while talking to an interviewer, leaving a very unprofessional impression. Also, if you let the interviewer leave a voicemail, you now have the interviewer’s name and phone number. This eliminates the possibility that you will fail to hear the name correctly, or will forget it, making it difficult to contact the interviewer later. Finally, with a message you know what the interviewer wants and can prepare accordingly. If they are looking to schedule a phone or in-person interview, you can have your schedule ready when you call back. If they say something more vague, like “I would like to speak to you about the position you applied for at XYZ Corp.”, you can expect a full phone interview and prepare accordingly.
Schedule the phone interview carefully: Be sure to schedule the phone interview for a time when you are unlikely to be interrupted. If you have school aged children, try to schedule the interview to start at least an hour before they come home. Even if you have warned them to come in quietly, most children will make some noise, wake up the cat or dog and generally cause at least a minor commotion.
Prepare thoroughly: You need to prepare as thoroughly for a phone interview as for an in-person one. You will want to research the company, but you should realize that if the interviewer is an HR person, you might not get to ask many questions about the company. The interview will be focused on your previous experience. Read the job posting carefully and write down your experiences and skills that relate to each point in the job description. Check out the interviewer on LinkedIn and Google, and try to find anything you might have in common. Did you attend the same college, live in the same town, or work for the same company? These kinds of connections can be helpful in establishing rapport.
Stand up to talk: A job search coach gave me this tip for increasing your energy and confidence while talking on the phone. I find it helps to actually pace. Some experts suggest having your resume and notes in front of you during the phone interview, but I find it difficult to leaf through notes, hold a phone, and focus on the question, all at the same time. Instead, I will review the job description and my notes shortly before the scheduled time. I always have a glass of water at hand. For some reason my mouth always goes dry during phone interviews, although I don’t have that problem during in-person interviews.
End strong: HR interviewers often seem to rush through the end of the interview. I suspect that they allot a certain amount of time to each phone interview based on their standard list of questions, and don’t want to spend a lot of time answering your questions. Be sure that you mention how interested you are in the job, and ask what the next step is in their interview process. If you were not able to find out the interviewer’s email in your research, ask for it now so you can send a thank you.
About the Author: Trudy LaDouceur have been a product development and marketing professional for over 10 years and is currently seeking new job opportunities. She is also owner of a small but growing business and a marketing and product development consultant.
Very helpful article. I liked the "stand up and talk" point. Thanks!
Vanessa
Very good advice! Your tips are very helpful to me! I have had several phone interviews, and I find it hart to connect to interviewers. I was sometimes too relaxed...Pace is indeed very important.
Phil Jones
I agree fully about being well prepared. Give yourself time to answer the questions which also means listening carefully to the questions. Not being able to read body language is a big loss for this kind of interview which places greater emphasis on tone of voice. Of course its nice not having to wear a suit on such occasions.
As for ignoring calls? Hmmm. I work as a contractor and agents often fail to leave a message and more annoyingly, their phone number is hidden. In this case I would certainly answer each time. The current job market is such that the agent is likely to have other likely candidates and you don't want to miss that first step.
As for the battery going dead then I find it useful to plug the charger in during the interview (when at home). Hour long interviews are not uncommon so unless your phone is new, it is likely to die on you. I also use a hands-free.
In contracting work you often get told that the client is 'a large multinational in London' or whatever, which description only tells you the likely cost of being there. What the agent should tell you are the clients requirements which gives an opportunity to prepare a review of your own experience in that area. It also enables you to prepare some pertinent technical questions which are more about showing our own depth of knowledge rather than that of the interviewer. Be carefully about expressing any opinion about in-house procedures and methods. You don't want to alienate people before you start.
All my interviews since 1997 have been via the phone. The longest lasting 1.5 hours and between the US and England. That was for a contract in Switzerland. That is why I agree fully that being relaxed, pacing yourself with more than enough time available is very important. Taking notes I also find useful. These will give a good clue as to the kind of questions you might want to ask as the interview starts to wind down. That way the interviewer gets the message that you have been listening.
A good article and the first I've seen on the subject.
Guest123
"For some reason my mouth always goes dry during phone interviews"... Maybe it's from all that pacing :). Thanks for the tips.
Ken
Trudy was my Product Development Director at Lee Middleton Original Dolls and I can say without equivocation that she was a consummate professional in every sense of those words. Not surprised that she would offer wise words of advice here. Employers...don't hesitate on this fine individual, you will surely be duly rewarded. KW
Robert Ampthor
All are sound advice, especially standing while talking. You will sound more animated and focused. The other key is finding a time where you can concentrate and be undisturbed, so good advice to screen calls or set up a time in the near future noting right now isn't good. It also shows you have things you are involved in and so continuing to work.
theresumechick
Great tips, Trudy :-) Being prepared is really important before agreeing to any interview. When I read the part about being rushed towards the end of one, I had to shake my head...as it really does happen...and often this change in pace leaves a job seeker confused and sometimes doubtful of the outcome. Just as job seekers need to be mindful of their answers, so should interviewers make job seekers feel comfortable throughout the entire process from beginning to end.
Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter if you need me)
my close fried have an interview on phone. they give her a time of calling, i recommend her to read your article about phone interviews. i already email her.
Thanks for sharing
Kortegacarbonell
Great advice - especially about pacing. I scheduled a call with a screener who started asking the interview after confirming my job history. I wasn't prepared and blew it. For the phone interview I will be prepared. Thanks
About the Author: Trudy LaDouceur have been a product development and marketing professional for over 10 years and is currently seeking new job opportunities. She is also owner of a small but growing business and a marketing and product development consultant.
