Phone Interview Tips

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Now a days, employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates. While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

Be Prepared to Interview:

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical phone interview questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.


* Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
* Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
* Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
* Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
* If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
* Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
* Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, consider using a landline rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.


During the Phone Interview:

* Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
* Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
* Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
* Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
* Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
* Don't interrupt the interviewer.
* Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
* Give short answers.
* Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.

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Phone Interview Questions:



Phone Interview Questions About Your Background:

* Name of company, job title and job, description, dates of employment.
* What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
* What were your responsibilities?
* What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
* Why are you leaving your job?
* What are your salary expectations?

Phone Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company:

* What interests you about this job?
* Why do you want this job?
* What applicable attributes / experience do you have?
* Are you overqualified for this job?
* What can you do for this company?
* What do you know about this company?
* Why do you want to work here?
* What challenges are you looking for in a position?
* What can you contribute to this company?
* Are you willing to travel?
* Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?

Phone Interview Questions About You:

* What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
* What is your greatest weakness?
* What is your greatest strength?
* Describe a typical work week.
* How would you describe the pace at which you work?
* How do you handle stress and pressure?
* What motivates you?
* Tell me about yourself.
* Questions about your career goals.
* What type of work environment do you prefer?
* How do you evaluate success?
* Job interview questions about your abilities.
* More job interview questions about you

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10 Tips for Phone Interviews:

Telephone interviewing is not usually a substitute for a good old face-to-face interview, however. They're a quick and easy way to identify and discount unsuitable applicants. In-depth interviews for senior and managerial positions are ideal when short-listing candidates for a face-to-face interview. Here are 10 tips to help you be at your best when interviewed over the phone.

1. Be on your very best behaviour
A phone interview is the very best way to check on a candidate's telephone manner, especially where telephone manner and customer contact are key parts of the role (such as call and contact centres). Sometimes, role play can be used to assess a candidate's strengths and weaknesses.

2. Smile
Even though no-one can see you, smiling will help you to relax and sound positive. Some people also find that standing up while talking on the phone makes them feel more confident.

3. Shut out noise
Make sure your surroundings are quiet and that you won't be disturbed. Shut the door, turn off the radio - and your mobile.

4. Have pen and paper to hand
Make notes of what is covered -- you may be asked the same questions if invited to a second interview.

5. Know your CV
Plan what might be asked in the interview beforehand, e.g. personal details, education, career history, experience. The interviewer will be aiming to match candidates against the job description and person specification so re-read thoroughly.

6. Answer with confidence
Just the way you answer the phone has an impact on the person calling. Talk distinctly and clearly. If you're not confident in your speaking voice, you cannot compensate for it in other ways.

7. Make a connection
Try to establish something in common. Ask about the caller's experience with the company or mention something you have read about the company.

8. Let silence be golden
Watch out for awkward silences, umms and errrs, and unintentional interruptions - by either the candidate or interviewer. If you need a minute to compose your thoughts, don't be afraid to ask for a little time before answering.

9. A two-way process
You should be given the opportunity to ask questions -- make sure you have some in mind.

10. End on a positive note
Thank the caller for their time and express interest in the opportunity. (A good touch is to send an e-mail, reinforcing this.) Don't be afraid to ask what the next stage is.

The advantages of a telephone interview are that it can be arranged with little delay, with little disruption to your existing job and you'll know the outcome quite quickly. However, what you say -- and how -- will be more important than in a face-to-face interview, so be prepared!