Before you get on the telephone to interview for a job, review these phone interview tips and techniques so you can ace the interview and make it to the next round.
Print it out. Have a physical copy of your resume and the job description in front of you during the call. Type up a bulleted list of items you want to cover during the conversation. As each one gets satisfied, cross it off the list. Printouts are necessary in case your Internet access fails.
For practice, have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and record it so you can see how you sound over the phone.
Before the call, confirm all the details including the date, time and who you will be talking to. Be sure you know whether the interviewer is calling you or if you need to make the call.
Open up the company’s website in your browser and have another window open to the search engine of your choice.
Use a quiet, comfortable, and private space with no distractions so you can focus on the interview.
- Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
- Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink
- Do remember your goal is to set up a face-to-face interview. At the end of your conversation, after you thank the interviewer, ask if it would be possible to meet in person.
- Do take notes when possible on what questions came up.
Once the interview is over, carefully review any notes you were able to take during the conversation. Jot down what types of questions you were asked, how you responded, and any follow-up questions you may have if you have an opportunity for an in-person interview.