Phone Interview Tips: Before the interview, prepare as though you are going to a face-to-face interview. Your goal is to move ahead in the interview process. Even if you are uncertain whether you want the job before you get the call, make sure that you do the best job you can. If you decide later that you want the job and you do not get an invitation to proceed, you have missed an opportunity.
Have these things on your desk:
- Your resume
- The job description
- A list of key points you wish to make about how your experience qualifies you for this specific job
- A list of questions
Select your interview place carefully.
- Pick a quiet room.
- Have a glass of water immediately handy.
- Pick a comfortable chair.
Even though you are on the phone, let your personality shine.
- Smile. You will project warmth even though the interview cannot see you.
- Listen to the interviewers questions. Answer the questions. Do not just a reply to the question.
- Remember to take a quiet deep breath from time to time.
- Say positive things about yourself and about your employer.
- The reason you are interviewing with the new company is that they offer things you cannot get from your current company.
- Make sure you understand the question before you answer it.
Remember to focus.
- Make your answers detailed but to the point.
- Allow the interviewer a chance to speak.
- Ask trial close questions: for example, ask the interviewer when the company will make a decision.
- Emphasize that you are definitely interested in going forward for with the opportunity.
Do not allow interruptions.
- If you get another call, ignore it.
- Make sure that people know not to disturb you.
- Certainly do not multi-task.
- Do not talk over the interviewer.
- Do not try to tell a joke.
- Do not fake your answers. If you do not know that answer to a random question, just say so.
Remember to close on an upbeat.
Thank the interviewer for taking time to speak with you. Emphasize that you hope to have a chance to speak again.
