Telephone interviews seem to be more prevalent now than in any of my previous job searches.  Any tips on what works?

It used to be that phone interviews were short and used mostly as a brief screening before  scheduling a regular interview. So, you could almost “wing” them.

That’s changed. In order to reduce costs and time invested in applicants, companies are now using longer and more in-depth telephone interviews before inviting candidates to a face-to-face interview.  This makes sense and saves every body time.  But it means that a phone interview could now carry as much weight as that first “regular” interview used to.  Logically, this means you must prepare for the former with the same care as you would for the latter.  Here’s a round-up of my favorite tips, most of which apply to any type of interview.

Before:

Research the job opening and the company

Anticipate and practice your answers

Be ready 5 minutes early

Take deep breaths if nervous

Wear business clothes (details are important, no pajamas!)

Research the interviewer (Google, Facebook, Linked-in, company website)

Have interviewer picture up during the call (it helps)

Keep your resume handy

Pen and paper for notes

During:

Choose a quiet location, (no dogs, kids or interruptions, close windows)

Preferably use a land-line to lessen your risk of dropped calls or loss of signal

Disable call waiting and mute computer, alarms and fax machines

Don’t smoke, chew gum, or eat

Stay formal, use Mr. or Ms. when addressing the interviewer, use first names only if  asked

Speak clearly, with a smile (it comes through) and slowly (we speak faster when nervous)

Avoid “er” “umm” as space fillers (this habit is especially noticeable over the phone)

Prepare a 20-second closing statement, pitching why you should get an interview in-person

Don’t talk about money unless asked. “It’s negotiable” is always safe.

Ask about the next steps and what the expected time line is

After:

Send a thank-you email the same day.  Reiterate strengths or highlight something you forgot.

Remember to keep your eyes on the prize: The object of a telephone interview is to get a face-to-face interview -where you’ll do it over again, in person.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio