A growing number of companies are opting to meet job candidates via telephone or Skype for at least one interview. For some companies, this is now the only interview. What can be a cost-saving measure for them, could turn into a missed opportunity for you, if you aren’t ready.
Employers may conduct either a scheduled or unscheduled phone interview with you. Unscheduled calls are rarely the ideal scenario for the candidate. If you’re caught by surprise, politely ask if you can set up another time to talk. Saying something to the effect of, “I am so glad to hear from you. Unfortunately, I am not in a quiet place and won’t be able to give this call my full attention. When may I call you back?”
If you have an upcoming telephone interview, here are 10 tips to remember:
1) It may seem silly, but dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. Conducting an interview in sweatpants may seem tempting, but dressing professionally can create a different mindset and can help you feel more polished in your presentation.
2) It’s okay to have cheat sheets: a list of key points you want to mention and a copy of the resume you used to apply for the position. In this screening interview, you may be asked to walk the interviewer through your career progression and explain each job transition. One word of caution – be careful not to read from the documents in front of you – use them as a point of reference only.
3) If you have access to a landline phone, use it. Cell phones are great until they drop a call, or you experience poor reception during a key moment of the interview. If you will be using your cell, be sure the battery is fully charged.
4) Do as much as you can to control your environment during the call. Find a place where you will experience limited to no distractions – a quiet, private space.
5) If you have call waiting, ignore it – never ask an interviewer to wait while you answer another call.
6) Your voice is your instrument, use it effectively: enunciate and speak loudly enough to be heard. Slow down if you catch yourself racing through your answers.
7) The visual cues that can be relied on in person to gauge how your message is being received won’t be available to you in a phone interview, but it is important to try to make a connection with the interviewer. In addition to the content of your answers, the interviewer is trying to get a sense of your personality and communication skills. If you know who will be interviewing you ahead of time, pull up that person’s LinkedIn or company website picture on your computer screen, so you have a visual image of the person you are talking with during the call.
8) No slouching! Sit up straight or stand up during the interview – this helps ensure proper breathing and will improve the projection and clarity of your voice. Have a glass of water near you in case you find your mouth getting dry from nerves.
9) Smile even if the world isn’t watching. It may feel ridiculous, but smiling while you talk will help you sound upbeat and invested in the conversation.
10) Just as you would in a face-to-face interview, have a list of questions prepared to ask at the conclusion of the interview.
Good luck!