Phone Interview Tips

Phone interview tips: before the interview:

• Write down your contact information including your phone number and email address in your cover letter.
• Record a short and professional answering machine message in case the interviewer has to leave a message.
• Get a high quality phone and make sure you can hear clearly on the phone.
• Keep your resume, pen, paper, calendar, company information by the phone. You may also want to keep a list of questions you'd like to ask the interviewer and answers to questions you anticipate being asked by the phone.
• Find a quiet place to take the call, you don't want to have radio, TV, children or pets in the background.

Phone interview tips: during the interview:

• Suggest an alternative time if it's not convenient for you to take the call.
• Ask the interviewer's name and contact information so that you can call or email him back.
• Don't chew gum, smoke, drink or eat during phone interviews.
• Speak slowly and clearly. You can practice phone interview beforehand, but don't sound scripted when you answer questions.
• Smile and keep plenty of energy and enthusiasm in your voice. Looking into a mirror can give you instant feedback and help keep your self-conscious.
• Stand up. Many people think that if you stand while talking on the phone, you are more alert and sound more animated.
• Turn off call waiting feature before the interview, you don't want your phone interview to be interrupted.
• Be a good listener. Allow the interviewer finish his question before you respond. Ask for clarification if necessary.
• Always ask questions. It shows your interest in the position. But don't ask questions about salary and benefits. It's not the time yet.
• Take note during the phone interview.
• Always ask about the next step. Your goal of the phone interview is to get a face-to-face interview.

Phone interview tips: after the interview:

• Make a phone interview log and write down the interviewer's name, title, contact information, the position you interviewed and what's the next step after the interview.
• Send a thank you letter to the interviewer immediately.

More readings and help on job interviews:

• Complete Interview Guide

• Job Interview Secrets Revealed