Phone Interviews

PNN’s Employment Tip - June 2012
 
As most job applicants get prepared for in-person interviews, they are surprised when employers call for phone interviews.  Phone interviews save employers money and time.  Most employers use phone interviews to screen candidates and to make a short list of the candidates who will be called for in-person interviews. 
 
Having a phone interview is not as easy as it seems. Therefore, it’s very important to be as prepared for a phone interview as if you were going for a regular face-to-face interview.
 
Here are some tips how to prepare for a phone interview:

• Find a quiet place where there are no distractions from kids or pets. 
• Sit at your desk or at the dining table or anywhere you feel comfortable.
• Have a pen and paper handy for taking notes.
• Research the company before the interview.
• Have your resume and personal profile in front of you.
• Do not drink or eat anything before the interview that may make you feel or sound uncomfortable or not normal.
• Don't smoke, chew gum, or eat during the interview. It is okay to have some water.
• Listen to the questions carefully before you start answering.  
• Speak clearly and slowly during the interview. Give the interviewer time to take notes.
• Answer succinctly; give adequate but short answers.
• Speak with enthusiasm.
• Give the interviewer a good first impression of your personality, and make the phone interview memorable.
• Show respect to the person interviewing you; use titles (Mr. or Ms.).
• Close the interview by thanking your interviewer and expressing interest in a face-to-face interview.Remember that the phone interview will get you to a face-to-face interview. Follow up the interview with a thank you letter addressing your interest to work for the company and ask what the next steps will be.   

Check out this video to help you prepare for the phone interview.