Phone interviews can certainly make or break your progress in the hiring process.
Over the years, I've discovered that some folks don't take the calls as seriously as they do for "in person" interviews - or they have no clue as to how to approach a phone interview.
It's never JUST a phone interview. This is a key element in the search process for employers. Thus, it's just as important to know WHAT NOT TO DO for phone interviews as it is for those one might have "in person."
Several years ago, I was working as a Career Services Consultant for some Technical Training centers. One of my students, who had several years of professional work experience, asked me the following: "I have a phone interview with the XYZ company on Tuesday. Should I sit in a dark room?"
Avoiding any one liners, insults or quips (tempting though it was with such a question,) I passed along some basic suggestions re: phone interviews and how to give them a better chance of working.
1. Choose a comfortable, though not too relaxing, well lit location. If your choice is the easy chair you fall asleep in, you'll wind up losing energy. If you don't have good lighting, you won't be able to use your resume and references list; you should have both with you during the interview.
2. Make certain this location is reasonably quiet. If you are taking this call at home, pick a spot where your family isn't - or ask them to move to another part of the apartment or home while you are on the call.
3. Let them know what you are doing, too! It's less likely for someone to come up to ask you where the can of olives is if that person knows you are on an important call!
4. Your resume and list of references are good to have for a phone interview - especially the resume. At an in person interview, I suggest people bring an extra copy of their resume for themselves. The biggest reason is simple; you don't have to just rely on memory to answer questions, or try to remember what you put on your resume. In that regard, the phone interview is no different!
5. Here's where some folks make an error; they'll have a video game or movie or tv on in the background (even w/o volume) during the phone interview. If your focus is on the screen, or your attempt to defend the empire against Darth Vader's cousin, how much attention are you paying to the interview? Turn off ALL electronic distractions.
6. Energy matters! Speak in a natural voice and speak clearly. Next, use an old "radio" trick I learned as a dj; smile as you are speaking. This way, your voice sounds more upbeat and friendly and it's all very natural!
7. Questions matter. Prepare 3-5 questions that matter to you about the job BEFORE the interview. Next, write them down on your resume. If the topics aren't covered during the course of the interview, you have an answer to that sometimes tricky "final" question of "Do you have any questions."
8. Closing strong. Should the final question be "Do you have any questions?" and you've DISCUSSED the questions on your list, you can always respond by restating YOUR written questions as follows:
-We discussed your training process, plans for growth and expectations for a new member of the staff. I think we've covered all the questions I have for now - but I would like your number or email address in the event that something additional comes to mind.
Notice how professional this closing is.
1. You go over the topics of importance; that shows the interviewer you've been an ACTIVE PARTICIPANT.
2. "I think we've covered" is actually stronger than "we've covered everything I would need." Simply, because you are leaving the door open for future conversation.
Besides, at this juncture, don't you think it's possible that some additional question may come up?
3. Further, you indicate that you would like contact information (which is always good to have.)
4. Finally, you state "something additional..." showcasing that you aren't just asking for contact information - but have purpose for doing so.
Whether the call is a "screening interview" or something more final, be certain to give it your best. If you take the call as seriously as you would an "in person" interview and are prepared, you'll give yourself the best chance to showcase the good things you have to offer!
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