Mastering Phone Interviews
You just got word that you landed a job interview with a company that really interests you -- only there's a slight
catch.
You won't be meeting with your interviewer(s) face to face. Instead, you'll be taking part in a phone interview,
the results of which will determine whether you're invited to meet with company representatives in person.
Many companies use phone interviews as an initial employment screening technique for a variety of reasons.
Because they're generally brief, phone interviews save companies time. They also serve as a more realistic
screening alternative for cases in which companies are considering out-of-town (or out-of-state and foreign)
candidates.
So the chances are pretty good that, at some point in your job hunt, you'll be asked to participate in a 20- to 30-
minute phone interview with either one person or several people on the other end of the line. In many ways, the
way you prepare for a phone interview isn't all that different from the way you'd get ready for a face-to-face
interview -- save for a few slight additions to and modifications of your list of preparation tasks.
Here's what to do:
1. Treat the phone interview seriously, just as you would a face-to-face interview
A phone interview seems so informal on the surface that it can be easy to fall into the trap of "phoning it
in" -- i.e., not preparing for it as well as you would for an in-person interview. Don't get caught with your
guard down. Be sure to research the company, study the job description, and practice your responses to
anticipated questions, just as you would for any other interview.
2. Have your resume and cover letter in front of you
You'll almost certainly be asked about some of the information that appears on these documents. You
might also want to have in front of you any supporting materials that relate to information in your resume
and cover letter, like documents you've designed or written, a portfolio of your various projects, or the
written position description from your key internship.
3. Make a cheat sheet
Jot down a few notes about the most critical points you want to make with your interviewer(s). Are there
certain skills and experiences you want to emphasize? Do you have certain interests or passions you want
your interviewer(s) to know about and understand? Be sure these pieces of information appear on your
crib sheet. Then touch on them during the interview, even if your only chance to do so is at the end of the
session when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions or anything to add.
4. Get a high-quality phone
This isn't the time to use a cell phone that cuts in and out, or a cheaply made phone that makes it difficultfor you and your interviewer(s) to hear and understand each other.
5. Shower, groom and dress up (at least a little)
Odd advice? Perhaps. But focusing on your appearance, just as you would for a normal interview, will put
you in the right frame of mind from a psychological standpoint. You won't do as well in your phone
interview if you're lying in bed, for example, or if you're draped over your couch in your pajamas.
6. Stand up, or at least sit up straight at a table or desk
Again, there's a psychological, frame of mind aspect to consider here. But on a more tangible level,
research has shown that you project yourself better when you're standing up, and you'll feel more
knowledgeable and confident.
Phone interviews can be tricky, especially since you aren't able to read your interviewers' nonverbal cues like
facial expressions and body language during the session -- a big difference from the typical interview. But if you
prepare well for your phone interview, you won't need to read anyone's nonverbals to gauge your performance.
You'll know for sure how you've done because you'll be invited to a face-to-face interview, where you'll have yet
another opportunity to prove you're the best person for the job.