Tactics for Telephone Interviews
I don’t enjoy telephone interviews, because I need to be able to see my interviewers’ faces to gauge how I’m being received. Are they bored or engaged? Paying attention or zoning out? But phone interviews are unavoidable in the job search process—employers often use them as a pre-screening tactic or as follow-up to
an initial interview. This article will help you make the most of a phone interview.
Know what to expect on the call
When someone calls you to arrange for a phone interview, get all the information you can. You need to know when and, more importantly, who will be conducting the interview. It’s also useful to know how many people will be interviewing you and their roles within the company. You may want to ask if there is a more complete job description that could be emailed to you, and if there is anything else that you need to know about the interview beforehand. It’s amazing what people will tell you if you ask.
Use the right phone for the job
If at all possible, use a land line. If you’ve been asked to call an organization hundreds of miles away, it’s tempting to save money by using Skype or another web-based communication tool—try to avoid this. (A serious employer should be calling you, not asking you to call them.) You don’t want to risk a call breaking up or being dropped, or as one person said to me about Skype, “You sound as if you’re in a submarine.”These are distractions that could undermine the interview. The same thing applies to using a cell phone—avoid it if possible. A land line is always best. If you are using your cell phone number on a résumé, an employer will use that number to call you. Screen your calls before answering. If you’re on public transit, in a bar, in class, let the message go to voice mail. Answer an employer’s call only if you are in a space that will allow you to manage the call in a professional manner. One final point on technology: even with a land line, different areas of your home may have better reception. If you have a cordless phone, don’t walk around while talking to an employer. Pick one location and make it your home base for all telephone interviews.
Prepare your interview space
Once you’ve chosen your home base, organize that space. You’ll need a desk or table so you can lay out your résumé and cover letter, the job description of the position you applied for, any company research, point-form notes of your qualifications for the position, and any questions you may want to ask. Make sure you print out any electronic versions of job descriptions, résumés and cover letters; it’s easier to use a hard copy when you’re on the phone. You’ll also need a pen and paper for notes. Finally, your calendar or PDA should be beside you, so that when you’re asked about availability for a second interview you’ll be able to respond immediately.
Slow down and smile
Speak slowly and clearly—without sounding like a robot. Slowing down your normal rate of speech takes practice. The first couple of times this will feel quite unnatural. Try recording your voice answering mock interview questions, and then play it back. What impressions do you get from the voice and the responses? Also, conduct a mock interview with campus career centre staff. What feedback do they offer? One final tip: smile while you speak. Try it—you really can hear a smile and it makes you sound friendly!
