Interviewing:
Telephone Interviews
Companies subject themselves and their candidates to telephone interviews primarily for "cost reasons." By asking some key questions of candidates about their skills, career objectives and training, a company determines the value of bringing them in for a face-to-face interview. If you are being interviewed on the phone, consider the following tips:
- Be prepared: Prepare as you would for a regular interview. Have the resumé and the cover letter you mailed to the company ready, as well as the information that you have collected about the company, your questions, and a pad of paper to jot down notes as needed. Make sure you are in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. Do not smoke, chew gum, eat or drink.
- Be ready to talk about how you fit with the company and what interests you about this position.
- You might be at a disadvantage since the interviewer cannot see you and pick up messages from your body language; it becomes critical for you to communicate verbal enthusiasm and interest in the position and the company. Smile while you speak; it may also help if you dress up for the telephone interview, as you would for a personal interview, in order to help you feel confident and professional. Do not interrupt the interviewer!
- Enunciate. Speak a little slower than in a face-to-face interview.
- At the end of the interview, thank your interviewer for his or her time and ask about next steps. Make sure you have the interviewer's correct name and contact information.
- Soon after the interview, take notes on what you discussed, in case you are called for a personal interview.
- Send a thank-you note!
