Below are some helpful telephone interview tips. We hope that these tips can prove helpful to anyone who is either conducting a job search or has an upcoming telephone interview.
Stage One - The Call
• Always be prepared for calls from a recruiter or manager.
• If an interviewer calls you when you are in an unsuitable situation, ask to
call back and agree on a specific time for later on the same day.
• Have a 30-second sales pitch for yourself ready that captures your most
important professional accomplishments and skills.
• If you use a cell phone for the call, make sure it is fully charged.
• Find a quiet place with good phone reception where you will not be
interrupted.
• Remove all distractions, and make sure you're focused 100% on the
conversation.
Stage Two - The Interview
• Have a copy of your resume in hand for reference.
• Be prepared – know the job requirements.
• Make notes for yourself and keep them in front of you.
• Smile! You can hear it over the phone.
• Be honest about your skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Be prepared to ask follow-up questions.
Stage Three - Next Step
• Express your interest in the job.
• Ask about the next step in the hiring process.
• Be ready to schedule a face-to-face interview and collect details about
whom you will meet, where, and when.
• Thank the interviewer at the end of the call.
• Follow up with a thank you note, the same way you would for a
face-to-face interview.
Stage One - The Call
• Always be prepared for calls from a recruiter or manager.
• If an interviewer calls you when you are in an unsuitable situation, ask to
call back and agree on a specific time for later on the same day.
• Have a 30-second sales pitch for yourself ready that captures your most
important professional accomplishments and skills.
• If you use a cell phone for the call, make sure it is fully charged.
• Find a quiet place with good phone reception where you will not be
interrupted.
• Remove all distractions, and make sure you're focused 100% on the
conversation.
Stage Two - The Interview
• Have a copy of your resume in hand for reference.
• Be prepared – know the job requirements.
• Make notes for yourself and keep them in front of you.
• Smile! You can hear it over the phone.
• Be honest about your skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Be prepared to ask follow-up questions.
Stage Three - Next Step
• Express your interest in the job.
• Ask about the next step in the hiring process.
• Be ready to schedule a face-to-face interview and collect details about
whom you will meet, where, and when.
• Thank the interviewer at the end of the call.
• Follow up with a thank you note, the same way you would for a
face-to-face interview.