Ace that Phone Interview
By Mary Rosenbaum
At a time when there are more applications and resumes
flooding into HR departments, the use of telephone interviewing as
a screening mechanism is skyrocketing. Some of my clients are
having trouble “selling” themselves in a brief
telephone interview. The tools you need to achieve a successful
result are somewhat different than those used for in-person
meetings. First, you can’t really gauge whether or not you
have the interviewer’s attention or if they are typing away
at their blackberries while you respond to questions. Second, you
can’t determine if your answers are being favorably responded
to since you cannot read their body language or see their facial
responses. So what can you do to ace that phone interview? Here are
some tips that can help you in these situations.
1. Phone interviews are usually by appointment. Make sure you are in a place that is quiet and not distracting, where you cannot be interrupted by a phone call, an email or another person. Treat this as you would an in-person interview. Sit up straight, take notes, and respond carefully and thoughtfully to questions. Focus on what they are saying and take your time when answering questions.
2. If you can, find out who will be calling you (HR or the hiring manager) and be prepared with the kinds of responses appropriate to this person’s needs. For example, a hiring manager will probably be more interested in knowing that the skills and experience they need in order to pass you along the hiring channels are met. The hiring person may ask more detailed questions about your experience, will be more results focused and will expect some experience stories to be part of the interview process.
3. Create some notes for yourself that can be used to respond to a series of questions, this ensures that you don’t leave out talents or skills that might be important. Practice delivering answers to some of the more common questions like, tell me about yourself, why are you interested in this position, what are you looking for, etc. Do not memorize nor read your responses. Although rehearsed, they should sound spontaneous. Your answers should be geared to how your skills and experience are perfect for what they are looking for.
Equally important, be sure you have adequate answers to questions that might bring up some of your weaknesses such as employment gaps, layoffs, or short term tenures. They will be able to detect discomfort in your voice when asked those types of questions; a rehearsed reasonable response will allow the interview to continue.
4. Remember, this interview is also a discussion, not a monologue. Do not speak for more than a minute or so when answering questions. Always ask, does this answer your question or do you need further elaboration. Remember, the more you talk, the deeper a hole you might dig if that’s not what the interviewer is looking for.
5. Unlike in-person interviews where enthusiasm can be conveyed by body language, sitting at the edge of your seat, smiling, or whatever you do to convey excitement, it’s important that your voice is animated and that you occasionally pepper the conversation with positive up beat comments about the company, the position, or whatever the interviewer is discussing.
6. When you feel that the interview is nearing the end, make sure you ask if there is anything that needs further clarification. Try to convey your interest about the job/company without sounding desperate. And as with any interview, always ask what the next steps are.
1. Phone interviews are usually by appointment. Make sure you are in a place that is quiet and not distracting, where you cannot be interrupted by a phone call, an email or another person. Treat this as you would an in-person interview. Sit up straight, take notes, and respond carefully and thoughtfully to questions. Focus on what they are saying and take your time when answering questions.
2. If you can, find out who will be calling you (HR or the hiring manager) and be prepared with the kinds of responses appropriate to this person’s needs. For example, a hiring manager will probably be more interested in knowing that the skills and experience they need in order to pass you along the hiring channels are met. The hiring person may ask more detailed questions about your experience, will be more results focused and will expect some experience stories to be part of the interview process.
3. Create some notes for yourself that can be used to respond to a series of questions, this ensures that you don’t leave out talents or skills that might be important. Practice delivering answers to some of the more common questions like, tell me about yourself, why are you interested in this position, what are you looking for, etc. Do not memorize nor read your responses. Although rehearsed, they should sound spontaneous. Your answers should be geared to how your skills and experience are perfect for what they are looking for.
Equally important, be sure you have adequate answers to questions that might bring up some of your weaknesses such as employment gaps, layoffs, or short term tenures. They will be able to detect discomfort in your voice when asked those types of questions; a rehearsed reasonable response will allow the interview to continue.
4. Remember, this interview is also a discussion, not a monologue. Do not speak for more than a minute or so when answering questions. Always ask, does this answer your question or do you need further elaboration. Remember, the more you talk, the deeper a hole you might dig if that’s not what the interviewer is looking for.
5. Unlike in-person interviews where enthusiasm can be conveyed by body language, sitting at the edge of your seat, smiling, or whatever you do to convey excitement, it’s important that your voice is animated and that you occasionally pepper the conversation with positive up beat comments about the company, the position, or whatever the interviewer is discussing.
6. When you feel that the interview is nearing the end, make sure you ask if there is anything that needs further clarification. Try to convey your interest about the job/company without sounding desperate. And as with any interview, always ask what the next steps are.
