Phone Interviews

Gone seem to be the days when an employer would pick up the tab to fly you across the country, put you up in a hotel, and feed you a steak dinner just to be able meet you for an initial interview. Chances are much more likely you will have your first interview with any out of area employer by telephone.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it. No need to shower, shave, shine your shoes. Instead you can just lounge around, be comfy, and answer a few questions. Right? Well, not exactly. . .

In some ways a phone interview is more difficult than a face to face conversation. You can’t judge what the interviewer is thinking by the expression on his face or his body language. Neither can you win him over with your award winning smile and your firm handshake. Your success depends entirely on how well you answer the questions tossed your way. Here are a few suggestions to help you handle that phone interview like a pro.

Prepare. Any question you might expect in a face to face interview is fair game for a phone interview. Go over the sample questions in Ace the Interview. Schedule a mock interview with Career Services. In fact, you may want to schedule a mock phone interview.

For the actual interview itself, choose a quiet location where you can be free from interruption. Just to be safe, you may want to use a land line rather than your cell phone.

While you don’t have to dress in your best business suit, get out of your comfiest sweats. Shower, shampoo and put on a pair of khakis and a nice shirt.

Planning to lounge on the sofa? Don’t. Sit or stand up. Maybe you want to stand at your kitchen counter with your resume, cover letter, and some notes within reach. You’ll also want a glass or bottle of water and pen or pencil and something you can take notes on, if needed.

Get a little caffeine or something energizing into your system. I recently heard from a candidate who blew a phone interview by yawning. Learn from him.

Smile. I’m serious . . .smile. Your voice will be more positive if you smile. Speak slowly. Speak clearly. And, don’t ramble. Answer the question asked of you-- and then stop. If the interviewer catches you off guard with a question you weren’t expecting, it is ok to say “May I have a minute to think about that, please?” Or, “Could we come back to that question?”

Hey, I have an idea! Call Career Services and schedule that mock interview. Might as well prepare now. And, then you'll be "good to go" when that employer calls and says "Is this a good time to talk?"

Get a job!

~jan