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PHONE
INTERVIEW TIPS
Preparation Checklist
Have a summary of your background prepared and rehearsed.
Have your resume in front of you. If you have updated it
recently be sure the interviewer has the updated version.
Have notes about the opportunity that you are being interviewed
for.
Visit the company website.
Have a calendar available to make appointments.
Have a note pad and 2 working pens.
If possible, avoid cordless phones (static) and cell phones.
If you are being called by
the interviewer, rework your answering machine tape to avoid cutesy, humorous
or offensive messages.
Disengage total phone before the call.
Avoid distractions – find a quiet location to take the call
(no Radio, TV, children or pets in background).
Have any certifications, references ready, and ready to
mail.
DO…
Sit up or stand while speaking – your voice projects better.
If English is your 2nd language, remember to
speak up, speak slowly and pause briefly after each sentence.
Know what the company does (products, services, market).
Know what position they are calling about.
Use formal names until told otherwise.
Be positive and enthusiastic.
Arrange for a face-to-face interview! Ask for a date and
time! Ask for a contact person.
Remember no one gets hired over the phone!
DON’T…
Don’t ramble on or give life history.
Don’t ask questions about money, benefits, holidays, etc.,
avoid the “What’s in it for me?”
Don’t get into salary discussions unless you are confident this is a position that you are interested in.
Don’t be negative about past employers, experiences, the
economy of your current situation.
Don’t have the kids answer the phone.
Don’t eat or chew gum or smoke during the interview.
Don’t use a speakerphone.
Don’t leave conversations open-ended.
GOOD QUESTIONS…
Tell me about a typical day.
Tell me about your department.
How many people in the department? Who do they interface
with? How long has the average employee been there?
What is your background?
How long have you been there?
How does my background compare to what you are looking for?
What aspects of my background are most interesting to you?
What’s our next step in the process?
What kind of career path is there?
I look forward to meeting with you personally to discuss
this further. I have my calendar right
here. I can be available to meet you on______________________.
REMEMBER YOUR GOAL IS TO GET A FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEW.
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