Though I have discussed the many dos and don’ts of in-person interviewing, interviewing gaffes, and the art of the virtual interview, the less-dreaded phone interview has yet to receive attention on this blog. While the prospect of a phone interview might have an impact on one’s anxiety level, its impact is far less severe than the much-feared and talked about than the palm-sweat inducing in-person interview. Nevertheless, the informal phone interview is just as critical as an in-person interview insofar as it serves as the primary gateway to the highly coveted in-person interview.
U.S. News and World Report contributor, Lindsay Olson, recently set out to provide job seekers facing what she considers the “dreaded” prospect of a phone interview with a few tips meant to keep job seekers from “choking up” while interviewing by phone. Her recommendations?
- Plan to be in a quiet spot. Regardless of whether you have children, pets, or roommates (all of which make essentially the same sounds), the last thing you want during a phone interview is for the interviewer to hear the scream of a finicky child, a dog’s bark, or the remark of a roommate who prides himself on being “that guy.” Find a place free of distractions and in which, Olson suggests, “you feel comfortable and can speak freely.”
- Stand up. Olson recommends that standing up will assist the tenor of your voice: “Talking while on your feet makes you feel empowered and your voice will project with confidence.”
- Smile. If you are happy about something, or want to express enthusiasm, smile. Though the interviewer cannot see this expression of emotion on your face, he or she will certainly be able to hear it in your voice.
- Keep your resume with you during the phone call. This is a must for all interviews. The interviewer will, inevitably, ask question about your professional past; thus, it is important that you have a resume handy to which you can quickly refer and which can help to kick start your memory.
- Don’t act too informal. It’s an interview, not a chat with a friend or loved one. Olson advises interviewees to be aware of acting too cavalierly, “A phone interview may seem like an informal screen, but it’s not. It’s your only chance to make it to the next step.”
- Prepare a brag sheet full of accomplishments. While you do not want to come across as pompous, self-aggrandizing, or arrogant, it is important to be familiar with your past professional accomplishments. Olson notes that when she conducts phone interviews she “make[s] special note of those who can rattle of specific accomplishments (especially with quantifiable results.” Through your phone interview, you must “connect the dots between what you have accomplished in your career and how your background will help the company.”
- Do your Research. Though this recommendation does not appear in Olson’s article, it is absolutely essential that job seekers research the company or institution at which they are interviewing for a job. Many interviewers will ask questions like, “So, tell me what you know about our company and the services we provide,” as a means of separating the wheat from the chaff.
In addition to the above, I might add that you should prepare for a phone interview as you would an in-person interview: get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and review and practice answering notoriously “tough” interview questions the night before. While some people have an innate gift for interviewing, the universal key to a perfect interview is preparation.
Comments are closed.