One must always be ready for an unexpected phone interview while looking for work. The first step in the interview process for many businesses is a conversation over the phone with the candidate to find out if they are qualified and interested in the position. Your interview might be the only one you have, and it might be a phone interview.
See Also: How to Answer the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question in an Interview
Interviews are typically scheduled in advance and conducted over email or telephone. In some cases, the employer may call you out of the blue to see if you have any time to talk about the position.
Here are some things to keep in mind for a fruitful phone interview:
Start a checklist. Study the posting carefully and compile a list of your qualifications that are a fit for the job requirements. Bring the list with you to the interview and use it as a quick reference tool.
Bring a copy of your resume with you. Your CV should always be easily accessible (on top of your desk or taped to the wall) in case you are asked to explain something.
Get some paper and pencils ready. Be prepared to take notes by having a pen and paper on hand.
Stay focused and avoid distractions. If you don’t want your call interrupted, make sure call waiting is turned off. Turn off your phone’s “Do not disturb” feature to avoid annoying pings and buzzes from software, texts, and other sources.
If you need to, we can reschedule. Callers who find themselves inconvenienced by an unscheduled call can politely request to reschedule and offer other times and days for contact.
Everyone out! Throw the kids and the animals out. Silence the stereo and the television. Put the door shut.
Make sure you make use of a landline. Avoid using your cell phone and make do with your landline instead. That way, you won’t have to worry about signal strength or calls getting dropped.
Rules of Thumb The Time of the Phone Interview
Be polite and address the interviewer as Mr. or Ms. Don’t call them by their first name unless they specifically request it.
Abstain from tobacco use, gum chewing, food, and drink. However, you should have some water on hand. Having a tickle in your throat or the beginnings of a cough when you need to converse on the phone is the worst. If your mouth starts to feel dry, you can quickly quench it by taking a sip from a nearby glass of water.
Attempt a grin. If you want to convey a favorable impression and alter the tone of your voice, all you have to do is crack a smile. If possible, standing up during the interview can help you sound more energetic and enthusiastic.
Stay attentive and clear in your speech. Attention to the interview at hand is crucial, and it may be more challenging to do so over the phone than in person. When answering an interview question, focus on what the interviewer is asking, speak slowly and clearly, and ask for clarification if necessary. You can pause for a moment to collect your thoughts before responding.
Refrain from disrupting the interviewer. Don’t rush. Taking a second to gather your thoughts is totally fine.
Take notes. Taking quick notes throughout the interview will help you recall key points after the fact.
It’s appropriate to respond briefly. Listen carefully to the questions and give thoughtful answers.
Be sure to come prepared with questions for the interviewer. You should be ready to answer yes or no when the interviewer asks if you have any questions for him or her. Read over these potential questions for the interviewer and have a few prepared.
