5 Must Do’s to Ace the Phone Interview

Phone Interviews. Love them or hate them, they are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s workplace. Whether it is with Human Resources or with a Hiring Manager, phone interviews can be the first step in the process of finding your next career. Here are some tips on how to perfect the art of the phone interview.

1- Be Prepared

Personally, I love phone interviews, because it gives the talent an advantage. You have an opportunity to have your resume in front of you, as well as all the research you have completed on the potential employer, and various other data you have gathered. You can also write down examples of accomplishments, projects, and things you have done in the past, which will give you a step up on other candidates

2- Be Animated

Speak passionately when you are on the phone. This can be tough if you aren’t use to selling yourself virtually, but I tell every candidate doing a phone interview to stand up while talking. It may seem odd at first, but standing while you are talking gives you a vigor and liveliness that will be apparent on the other side of the conversation. Treat this like any other professional conversation: don’t put your feet on the desk, don’t lean back in your chair, don’t use slang, and by all means please don’t call anyone “dude”.

3- Be Understanding

Keep in mind; the phone interview is just to get the “face to face” interview. Very few people ever get permanent positions over the phone. I can only think of one person in my over eight years of recruiting that actually got a permanent position via a phone interview; so I would say this is a rare occurrence.

4- Be Bold

At the end of the call, ask for the face to face interview. What have you got to lose? It goes something like this: “[Insert interviewer’s name], thank you very much for your time. I have enjoyed our conversation, and am very interested in the position. Based on our conversation so far, I feel I could really be an added value member of the team; when can we meet face to face and talk about it in more detail?” If you are really feeling bold, I would even throw out some dates and times you have on your calendar and get the face to face set up then and there.

5- Be Happy

Finally, don’t forget to smile! It comes through on the phone, and will make you feel good about yourself.

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Author Name – Judy Goldman
Title – Senior Account Manager
Location – Baltimore, MD
Twitter – @judybbgoldman
Byline – Judy has been a recruiter for over eight years placing individuals in both contract and direct hire roles. She has a passion and love for what she does and is always trying to learn new things about the industry.
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