Phone Interviews: 10 Tips for Success
Posted May 9, 2013 & filed under Job Search
Phone interviews are becoming more and more common as a first step in the hiring process, so here are some tips for making a successful reception.
1. Treat your phone interview like a real face-to-face interview. That means changing out of your PJs into business wear, and instead of lounging on the couch, sit comfortably in a straight-backed chair.
2. Make the most of your tone of voice. Without the advantage of body language, you need to make your personality and professionalism present in your tone, because even something as simple as a smile can be “heard” through your voice. Ask as naturally as possible. Try sitting in front of a mirror and making eye contact with yourself; this sounds a little silly, but it’s a surprisingly successful tactic.
3. Don’t be afraid of silence. If you need a moment to think about your answer, let your interviewer know you’re thinking first. Don’t let the silence make you nervous while you’re thinking.
4. Interview-proof your environment. You’d be surprised how many people participate in a phone interview with the TV blaring in the background, or while driving in busy, honking traffic, or in the middle of a buzzing Starbucks. Find a quiet place with good phone reception and no distractions. And beware of speakerphone.
5. Keep any important documents on hand; your resume, the job ad, and information you’ve researched about the company, etc. You don’t want to be digging through piles of paper or clicking around on your computer while trying to listen or formulate your answers.
6. Slow down. It’s easy to inadvertently speed up your speech in an interview whether it’s face-to-face or via phone. Either way, you need to consciously slow down, but this is especially important on the phone because it’s even easier for the other person to mishear or misinterpret what you’re saying through an earpiece.
7. Be conscious of any habits you have of injecting “uhs” and “ums” into your speech. These interjections are even more obvious over the phone when sound is all you have to portray yourself. Practice and rehearse a little beforehand to try to eliminate these nonsense words.
8. Listen carefully. Without the cue of body language, you have to be aware that your interviewer may pause after asking questions only to further clarify their question after taking a breath. Give them half a second before answering to make sure you don’t interrupt them.
9. An obvious but important tip: Avoid chewing gum or snacking mid-interview. Keep a glass of water by your side in case your mouth gets dry.
10. Follow up your phone interview like you would with a face-to-face interview. Send a thank you email or note, and don’t be afraid to ask about the next step in the interview process.
Ultimately, there’s no such thing as “only” a phone interview. Act as though you are participating in a face-to-face interview, but be highly aware of how the lack of body language and eye contact may effect your answers. Good luck!
