Telephone interviews: how do I prep? what do I wear?
Employers use telephone interviews to identify and recruit candidates, and to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used to minimize the expense of screening out-of-town candidates.
While you are actively job searching, it is 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.
NOTE: An unscheduled phone interview is an ambush. If you are roused from a deep sleep or are otherwise vaguely indisposed, you may ask to call the interviewer back at a more convenient (but very very soon) time. Even 10 minutes will help you compose yourself. The interviewer will not think ill of you.
Be Prepared
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Know the three things about you that an interviewer must know before the end of the interview, and three examples of each of those characteristics that you can weave into your answers so that you can communicate your agenda. Know the answers to “resume� based questions, and be prepared to answer “Why do you want to work for me?�
• Dress for the interview. At the very least, wear shoes that lace up so that you won’t be tempted to kick them off and get too comfortable. Some even suggest dressing just as you would in a face-to-face interview as it will improve your confidence, poise and posture.
• Sit at a desk or at a table. Sit up straight.
• Keep your resume in clear view, on top of your desk so it is at your fingertips when you need to answer questions about your experience.
• Have a short list of accomplishments available to review. These would be examples of the three things on your agenda.
• Re-read your writing sample. “I don’t remember it too clearly� is not a good response to a question about it.
• Have pen and paper handy for note taking.
• Take the call in a place where you will not be interrupted.
• Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
• Avoid using a cell phone. If you must use one, find a spot with good reception -- the last thing you want is a "dropped call during an important interview. Be certain that yourl phone is fully charged.
• Print "SMILE" on your resume -- it will remind you to smile, which comes through in your voice, helping you to project a positive image, and chaning the tone of your voice.
• Do not smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
• However, keep a glass of water handy.
Be Professional
• Speak slowly and enunciate.
• If standing works for you, do it. It gets your blood flowing, improves your posture, and improves your response time. Some people also feel like they think better on their feet.
• Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and the last name.) Use a first name if asked.
• Do not interrupt the interviewer.
• If there are multiple interviewers, try to keep track of who is asking the question. Clarify who asked the question so you can direct your response to that person.
• Practice with a friend -- it is hard to know how your voice comes across on the phone. Are you a low-talker? Do you talk too fast? Is it easy to understand you? Is your speech littered with “I’m like?�
• Have questions prepared for the interviewer(s).
• Take your time – it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts. Note, however, that a phone interview is like radio, and too much "dead air" is unnerving.
• Give short – but not one-word -- answers.
• Because your goal is to set up a face-to-face interview, after thanking the interviewer, ask if it would be possible to meet in person.
• Ask what the next step is in the recruiting process and whether a timeline has been set.
• THANK THE INTERVIEWER for taking the time to meet with you.
• Follow up with a thank you letter or email.
(Adapted from a compilation by
A. Parks, U of Wyoming Law School on a NALP listserve)