How to Ace Your Phone Interview

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Posted June 25th, 2010 by Valerie Nam

Congratulations! You've applied to that job or internship position that you've been working towards and have made it over the first obstacle. Someone at the company or organization has reviewed your cover letter and resume, and has contacted you to schedule an interview - a phone interview. You don't even have to wear that uncomfortable suit!

In today's world, it's not unheard of for companies to conduct telephone interviews in order to rule out unqualified or inferior candidates. Long gone are the days when managers granted every job candidate an hour of their time to discuss potential placement in their company. There just isn't always enough available time, resources, and funds to do so.

Full interviews are now conducted via telephone (or even through webcam for which you would have to dress properly), and so it goes without saying that you should carefully prepare for the interview. Let's face it, if you don't pass the phone interview, you simply won't get the job.

To make the best impression possible, here are a few tips:

1. Take the phone interview seriously

The time you have to talk to your interviewer is your only chance to position yourself as the best candidate for the job. It's your few minutes to express yourself in the best possible light.

2. Prepare and succeed

Review your own credentials: Remember that application you sent it? Take a few minutes to run through your resume and refresh your memory about all the great stuff you've done. What are some successful stories? Outstanding achievements? Without a doubt, your interviewer will be asking lots of questions about your background and skills. Make a list of key points you want to make. If you prepare for this, you will be ready to answer any question the interviewer may throw at you.

Conduct research about the company: Get acquainted with the company. Use any information that may be listed on the Internet to your advantage. The company is bound to have it's own website and it's important to know the facts.

Make sure you have all the necessary resources to conduct a phone interview: Using a cell phone? Make sure you have a charger nearby. The last thing you want to happen is for your phone to die- a silly nono. To be safe, make sure that your cell phone is fully charged. Also, plan ahead and ensure that you are in a location that is quiet and free of distractions. Yes, that means turning off the TV and leaving your barking pup in the other room.

Make a list of questions you have about the position: Prove to your interviewer that you are acquainted with the requirements of the job. Ask specific questions that were not answered through your own research. Show interest!

3. The Phone Interview

Listen and answer: Carefully listen to the interviewer and focus your attention on the question being asked. Take a few moments to compile your thoughts, and then answer. You'll sound more confident and in control if you don't ramble.

Sell yourself: Speak in a straightforward, confident tone. When people are nervous, they tend to talk too fast and with a higher tone. Try to relax. You've got this.

Don't forget the thank you! Thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak to you and re-iterate your interest. Follow up with a thank you e-mail.

Overcome the phone interview hurdle with these tips and you've landed the job. Good luck!

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