Telephone interviews are often a part of the hiring process. They may be used to help clarify or confirm an applicant’s qualifications, or to narrow down the list of applicants who will be chosen for face-to-face interviews. They may also be used as a first step for an applicant who doesn't live close to the interview location. In addition, for jobs that require a high degree of telephone interaction (such as a customer service representative), they allow hiring managers to evaluate an applicant’s telephone skills first-hand.It’s important to put as much care and planning into your telephone interviews as you do for those that take place face-to-face. Here are some tips to help you make the best possible impression over the telephone.
Before the Call
- Plan to use a landline if possible, as cell phones often have poor reception. Disable the call-waiting feature to stop interruptions. Also, turn your cell phone off so that it doesn't ring or buzz during your interview.
- If you have a headset, check that it works before the call and plan to use it so that your hands are free to take notes.
- Be sure that you have a quiet space that is free from noise and distractions. If you’ll be taking the call near a computer, log out of your email and the internet so that you’ll be better able to pay attention to the discussion.
- If there are other people at your location, tell them that you’ll be having a phone interview and not to disturb you. Let them know when you expect the call to start and end.
- Be sure that your chair is comfortable and doesn't squeak.
- Clear your work surface and have your resume, the job description, and a pen and notepad handy.
- Keep a glass of water and a box of tissues close by in the event that you need them.
- Dress in an outfit that makes you feel professional and confident.
- Be sure you're sitting by the phone at least five minutes before you expect the interviewer to call.
- Take a few deep breaths and relax. Imagine yourself working for the company.
During the Call
- When the phone rings at the scheduled time, answer using a greeting and your name. For example, “Hello, this is ________________” is a good way to start the call on a professional note. If you don’t have caller ID and someone else calls at the time you expected the interviewer to call, give a quick explanation and hang up so that your line is free when the interviewer calls.
- Listen to the interviewer’s questions carefully. When you answer, speak at a natural pace, not too fast and not too slow. Give clear and concise answers, and don’t ramble. Listen for signs that the interviewer is paying attention and interested in what you’re saying.
- Smiling when you speak will express confidence and friendliness to the interviewer.
- Speak your words using a clear and strong tone of voice. Express energy and excitement.
- Don’t mumble, whisper, or make the interviewer strain to hear you. Keep your hands away from your mouth and the phone’s mouthpiece so your voice isn’t muffled.
- Avoid tapping your pen, rustling papers, or making distracting noises.
- End the telephone interview the same way you would a face-to-face interview: Ask a meaningful question or two, restate your interest in the position, ask about next steps, and thank the interviewer for his or her time. (A future post will provide specific advice in this area.)
After the Call
- Honestly evaluate how the telephone interview went, and what you would do differently next time. (A future post and accompanying Post-Interview Assessment Form will help guide you in this self-reflection.)
- Send a thank you note to the interviewer. (A future post will provide thank you note tips and a useful template.)
- Follow up from time to time on the status of the position for which you interviewed. (A future post will provide a telephone script to use when calling employers for an update on their hiring decision.)
Telephone interviews are often the end of the line for some job candidates, so it's important to give them your all. Be sure to put as much preparation, effort, and professionalism into these conversations as you would a face-to-face meeting with a hiring manager or Human Resources.
Future posts will provide valuable information for making the best impression when talking to a potential employer, whether in-person or otherwise, so stay tuned!
Receive email notifications when new posts are added: