Advice for a phone interview?

[easjer]

I have one scheduled for 3:00 tomorrow. I've already reserved a room where I can be alone and uninterrupted, with a desk and chair, so I can remain in a professional mindset.

I've been told to smile throughout and speak clearly and enunciate properly, so I am heard clearly.

I've been told to limit my answers to two minutes at most, since there are no visual cues to stop talking or that you are babbling.

I've been told to have my reference information ready and available and a copy of my resume and the job description at hand.

Any other advice?

[Spurminator]

Make sure you speak into the correct end. ;)



Just kidding, good luck. I've never had a phone interview so I wouldn't really know what to tell you. But it sounds like you're well prepared.

[tlongII]

Be yourself.

[ShoogarBear]

Jimcs50 has lots of tips for doing 1-900 phone "interviews".

Seriously, speaking as someone who has conducted a fair number of phone interviews: keep your answers simple. People try to be too articulate, or repeat themselves over and over after they've made a point. Being to the point eliminates a lot of the "you know" and "uh", too. The two-minute rule is a good suggestion.

[2Blonde]

Don't ask them to hold for a minute while you answer the call waiting. :lol

Seriously, I would bet if you do a google search for "telephone interview tips" then you will find a lot of great tips.

[2centsworth]

I have one scheduled for 3:00 tomorrow. I've already reserved a room where I can be alone and uninterrupted, with a desk and chair, so I can remain in a professional mindset.

I've been told to smile throughout and speak clearly and enunciate properly, so I am heard clearly.

I've been told to limit my answers to two minutes at most, since there are no visual cues to stop talking or that you are babbling.

I've been told to have my reference information ready and available and a copy of my resume and the job description at hand.

Any other advice?

just be the well mannered you. Don't over analyze and try to be or sound like someone you're not. Focus on your unique skills and make sure the interviewer knows what you bring to the table. Also, know what the interviewer is looking for and make sure it fits with what you're are trying to do. You might not like the offer and potentially could turn it down.

Yes or No won't make or break you so relax.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

The first thing you should do is ask the interviewer what they are wearing and for a brief description of themselves. That way you have a mental picture of the person. Then ask if they are comfortable with you picturing them in their underwear as a relaxation technique. If they start getting weirded out just hold the phone away from you face and yell, "Hey, what are you doing with my phone!" So it sounds like you just walked in on someone who had stolen your phone. Then when you get back on the line tell them it was your evil twin and that you are now ready to start the real interview.

It gives your interview a little bit of "flavor" and they'll be sure to remember you.

[ShoogarBear]

:lol

SFIE must be competing for the same job . . .

[batman2883]

dong fart on the phone

[SWC Bonfire]

Be yourself.

Always the worst advice. Act appropriately and professionally like you planned, and don't sound like a robot. Your voice and your speech is all you have going for you at this point.

Why are they doing phone interviews? Sounds like they are going to try to eliminate as many people as possible from the job as quickly as possible.

[cheguevara]

Make sure u wear a suit :lol

[SpursWoman]

I've had two phone interviews...one was a conference call with people all over the United States ... hopefully yours is just with one person, that one felt like I was getting thoroughly ganged up on. The second one was with Toyota and the lady was very friendly and it went really well.

Best advice: RELAX. :)


Good luck!

[tlongII]

Always the worst advice. Act appropriately and professionally like you planned, and don't sound like a robot. Your voice and your speech is all you have going for you at this point.

Why are they doing phone interviews? Sounds like they are going to try to eliminate as many people as possible from the job as quickly as possible.

No Way! You should ALWAYS be yourself in interviews. That way the interviewer knows if he is hiring the right "cultural fit" for the job.

[SWC Bonfire]

No Way! You should ALWAYS be yourself in interviews. That way the interviewer knows if he is hiring the right "cultural fit" for the job.

To hell with the interviewer. It is up to you to know if you're the right "cultural fit" for the job, face to face. You have to get there first.

[Vashner]

Use The Force!

[easjer]

Always the worst advice. Act appropriately and professionally like you planned, and don't sound like a robot. Your voice and your speech is all you have going for you at this point.

Why are they doing phone interviews? Sounds like they are going to try to eliminate as many people as possible from the job as quickly as possible.


I think it's a dual thing. I'm in Houston and the job is in San Antonio. They called me to schedule less than an hour after receiving my resume, so I'm pretty certain they are serious. They told me it would take about an hour, so I'm assuming it's a little more in depth than simply reviewing my qualifications. But I also have to assume they are weeding out as well. No sense in bringing me in from out of town if I'm a blathering idiot. I expect a formal interview in person with mutliple people if this goes well. I didn't get the impression they were doing phone interviews for everyone, but I also didn't ask.

[MiNuS]

smile and visualize you're speaking to someone very,very important such
as Donald Trump.Visualize you're on that table in front of the committee
and your ass is on the line.

no pressure.

[tlongII]

To hell with the interviewer. It is up to you to know if you're the right "cultural fit" for the job, face to face. You have to get there first.

As an interviewee you have no idea if you're the right cultural fit or not. This responsibility should belong to the interviewer. The only thing you can do is be yourself so that when you're hired the employer won't be expecting somebody else.

[SWC Bonfire]

I think it's a dual thing. I'm in Houston and the job is in San Antonio. They called me to schedule less than an hour after receiving my resume, so I'm pretty certain they are serious. They told me it would take about an hour, so I'm assuming it's a little more in depth than simply reviewing my qualifications. But I also have to assume they are weeding out as well. No sense in bringing me in from out of town if I'm a blathering idiot. I expect a formal interview in person with mutliple people if this goes well. I didn't get the impression they were doing phone interviews for everyone, but I also didn't ask.

Sounds like it's only a logistical thing on their part, but you never know. If they like you, it will probably get a little informal - they should be able to tell if you know what you're talking about in a manner of minutes. Stay relaxed and don't get too informal, or personal. In other words, stay friendly, courteous and professional.

Good luck on your interview.

[SWC Bonfire]

As an interviewee you have no idea if you're the right cultural fit or not. This responsibility should belong to the interviewer. The only thing you can do is be yourself so that when you're hired the employer won't be expecting somebody else.

tlongII must be in HR. :lol

If you like other people making decisions on what's best for you, go ahead. I know a lot of people that probably should stick to letting others decide some things for them. To each their own, I guess. But for me, I want to make that call when possible.

[Marklar MM]

Make sure you tell them that you are in a bikini.

[tlongII]

tlongII must be in HR. :lol

If you like other people making decisions on what's best for you, go ahead. I know a lot of people that probably should stick to letting others decide some things for them. To each their own, I guess. But for me, I want to make that call when possible.

Not HR. IT and Finance. I don't like others making decisions for me, but I can't make that decision as an interviewee. I would have no idea what the environment is like until after I've worked there for a month or so. At that point it's too late.

[Oh, Gee!!]

Speak in a funny voice

[Sportcamper]

I don’t know what you are interviewing for but how about practice?...Have somebody ask you questions & then answer them...Record yourself with a tape recorder & listen to your voice...Be pleasant and knowledgeable about your subject...Even Professional Broadcasters like Chick Hern used to practice fictitious basketball games to polish his act...

[midgetonadonkey]

Use your best phone sex operater voice.

[Marklar MM]

Scream into the phone, and when they tell you to quiet down, whisper. Dane Cook says that is what really got to him at the Burger King Lounge.

[Oh, Gee!!]

wear black face make-up like they used to in the old minstrel shows. Say "yes boss" after every answer you give.

[Marklar MM]

http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/18-0.shtml

---

Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.

When in job-hunting mode, don't have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.

Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.

Do know what job you are interviewing for.

Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone.

When being interviewed by phone, do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate.

If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It’s often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.

Do consider using a phone interview log.

Do consider keeping some notecards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You don’t want your responses to sound scripted, but you don’t want to fumble for important points either. Do also have your resume in front of you so you can remember highlights of your experience and accomplishments.

Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.

Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you’ll sound more professional than if you’re slouching in an easy chair.

Do consider dressing nicely for the phone interview. It may sound silly since the interviewer can’t see you, but you really will project a more professional image if you’re dressed for the part instead of wearing, for example, a ratty bathrobe.

Don't feel you have to fill in the silences. If you’ve completed a response, but the interviewer hasn’t asked his or her next question, don’t start babbling just to fill in airtime. Instead, ask a question of your own related to your last response.

Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.

Don't panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.

Don't snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can’t avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me.”

Don't chew gum or food, or drink anything noisy.

[easjer]

Thanks, Marklar.

I've also been told to put up my hair to feel more professional and also so I don't play with it and be careful not to get distracted by shiny objects.

Also, SFIE can kiss my ass. :wink

[2centsworth]

For the first time in my life, I agree with Tlong on this one.