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: