Phone Interview Tips

[AlohaPolynesian]

So excited to have a phone interview with a really great company. I haven't done one of these in a while and just wanted any advice or tips to do well. I am great at presenting myself in person so I am nervous that I won't come across the same way over the phone.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mrsv98]

So excited to have a phone interview with a really great company. I haven't done one of these in a while and just wanted any advice or tips to do well. I am great at presenting myself in person so I am nervous that I won't come across the same way over the phone.

Thanks in advance!

DH had a few phone interviews last year. To prepare, we took large index cards and made essentially flash cards. We listed his skills, special projects he had worked on, things that get asked in interviews like strengths and weaknesses, etc. During the interviews, he was in our office with a fully charged phone, door closed and no distractions. I think he also had a copy of his resume and cover letter he sent to that particular company for reference.

Do your prep work, speak slowly and clearly and put a lot of energy in your voice. Good luck!

 

[supercarrie]

This might sound silly, but I always do phone interviews standing up.

I find when I am standing, I feel more confident and therefore project myself a bit better.

And be careful to speak slowly; it is even harder to understand people over phone lines sometimes.

Oh, and GOOD LUCK!!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Thank you!!!

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I like phone interviews - just be careful not to sound like you are reading, if you happen to have some notes in front of you.

For any interview, I like to sit down and come up with 5-6 stories about things that I could apply to various questions. I have been in many interviews where several questions start with, "Tell me about a time when..." Having stories ready to go helps a lot.

 

[magicmom07]

Oh my goodness, I have my very first phone interview tomorrow! I am so nervous and so glad that someone started this thread. I really need all interview tips becuase I have never had a formal interview before with an interview team. Thanks for all the great ideas and keep them coming!

 

[NotUrsula]

Another odd one, but I like to put a mirror in my line of sight -- not right in front of my face, but where I can look into it. It helps to give you a sight cue, and you can talk to yourself as if you were looking at the person on the other end of the line (this is assuming you are doing a voice-only call; not a conference call that is using a webcam.) Speaking of that, be prepared for the possibility that a videoconference requirement may be sprung at the last minute -- make sure your computer can handle it if they ask you.

If doing such an interview from home, I prefer having the kids taken somewhere else entirely. You don't want a loud crying jag or a huge thunk to be audible through the phone. (Sometimes sounds like that can penetrate a closed door. When my 13yo decides to jump down the last 4 steps upstairs, you can hear it for sure in the basement office.)

 

[KathyTX]

A few phone interview tips:

• Smile while you speak. It may feel silly, but smiling shows up in your voice.
• Stand up. It removes pressure from your diaphragm and gives your voice more resonance.
• Choose a quiet room. No dogs barking, kids whining, music playing, lawnmowers mowing, or TV blaring in the background.
• Tape your résumé and whatever notes you'll use (say, lists of your accomplishments and strengths) on the wall so you can consult them without having to look down, which can muffle your voice.
• Have pen and paper handy, along with your calendar (maybe they’ll want to schedule a follow-up!)
• Remember that your interviewer can’t see you. If you pause to make a note, don’t let the silence stretch out. You might say, for example, “Just one second, please, while I write that down.”
• If a switchboard operator or an assistant connects you to the interviewer, be nice to that person. Word gets around.
• Whether you use a land or cell line, test your phone connection with a friend. Choose a phone you can hold to your ear comfortably. If you use a headset or speaker phone, make sure you are not unconsciously shouting.
• Do a practice interview with your friend. Ask if you say “um” a lot (which is even more annoying on a phone than in real life), or if you speak too slowly or quickly, or if your voice is too loud or too soft. Taping yourself is another good way to get an idea of how you come off.
• Try setting up a mirror in your phone-interview room. Sounds crazy, but having a human face to talk to may help you to speak with more passion and conviction. Try it!
• If you have time, just before the call, take a series of long deep breaths. Say a few practice phrases, slowly and in a slightly deeper register than your normal voice.

These are from an article How to Ace the Phone Interview.

She has lots of short, helpful interview and general job articles here: Karen Burns articles. Good luck with your interview!

 

[pilotwife_02]

PP made some great tips. One thing someone told me to do was get dressed for the interview. I'm not saying wear a suit, but at least be dressed in something other than pj's. Usually being showered/dressed makes you feel better and more confident.

Good luck to your DH!

 

[ChicagoFitnessClub]

Stand up. It removes pressure from your diaphragm and gives your voice more resonance.

That is huge! And actually more than stand, walk around while you're talking. It does wonders.

Also make sure you can walk the person through your resume. That's typically what a phone interview is about so they can get a sense of your experience and see if on the surface you're a possible fit.