The Right Way To Do Phone Interviews
There are two types of phone interviews -- scheduled and unscheduled. Often the first contact for a scheduled one comes by email or via LinkedIn, but theoretically, your phone could ring at any time. So make sure you answer it yourself (keep it out of reach of your two-year-old) and have a professional voicemail message.
Unscheduled calls never work in your favor. If you're caught by surprise, schedule another time to talk. Nobody will blame you for saying something to the effect of, "Great to hear from you. I am not at my desk and won't be able to give this call the attention it deserves. When can I call you back?"
How to ace PHONE interviews:
1. Get dressed, sit on a proper chair, at a table. Why? It creates a good attitude.
2. Secure the area from people and pet distractions.
3. Copy of CV/Resume, notes, questions you want to ask, notepad, pen/laptop.
4. Headphones to eliminate background noise.
5. Phone fully charged; all notifications turned off.
6. They can’t see you smile etc, so VOICE is the only tool. Energy and words are key.
7. Answer the call, with “Good morning, etc, this is FULL NAME speaking.”
8. Allow them to interrupt you, but do not interrupt them.
9. Set the stage for an in-person interview by demonstrating confidence in your ability to fulfill the role.
10. End on a cheery high note, with a polite “thank you” for their time.
Once again, email “thank you” 6-8 hours after the call or the following day.
All you have is your voice, so I will allow a little extra coffee for phone interviews!
All normal interview protocol applies.
Don’t assume that phone interviews are easy. Be prepared for the fact that you get no visual feedback, so it may feel a bit flat!
HIRING MANAGERS: be equally polite and welcoming, please. Phone interviews can feel like a Black Hole!
Unscheduled calls never work in your favor. If you're caught by surprise, schedule another time to talk. Nobody will blame you for saying something to the effect of, "Great to hear from you. I am not at my desk and won't be able to give this call the attention it deserves. When can I call you back?"
How to ace PHONE interviews:
1. Get dressed, sit on a proper chair, at a table. Why? It creates a good attitude.
2. Secure the area from people and pet distractions.
3. Copy of CV/Resume, notes, questions you want to ask, notepad, pen/laptop.
4. Headphones to eliminate background noise.
5. Phone fully charged; all notifications turned off.
6. They can’t see you smile etc, so VOICE is the only tool. Energy and words are key.
7. Answer the call, with “Good morning, etc, this is FULL NAME speaking.”
8. Allow them to interrupt you, but do not interrupt them.
9. Set the stage for an in-person interview by demonstrating confidence in your ability to fulfill the role.
10. End on a cheery high note, with a polite “thank you” for their time.
Once again, email “thank you” 6-8 hours after the call or the following day.
All you have is your voice, so I will allow a little extra coffee for phone interviews!
All normal interview protocol applies.
Don’t assume that phone interviews are easy. Be prepared for the fact that you get no visual feedback, so it may feel a bit flat!
HIRING MANAGERS: be equally polite and welcoming, please. Phone interviews can feel like a Black Hole!
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