5 Things to Remember for a Telephone Interview

Take phone interviews seriously. A telephone interview is just as important as the in-person interview. Many companies now use the phone interview as the first step.

In many cases, your objective is to move to the next step to an in-person or onsite interview. Some companies will only do telephone interviews and can extend an offer on the spot.

Here are five things to help you prepare: 

1. Get all the call details

a.       Different time zones – clarify your time zone and if it differs from the employer’s.

b.      Phone number works – make sure that you give a phone number that doesn’t forward to another line and that it will be fully functional on the day of the interview. Get the area code of the phone number so you can expect the call and pick it up promptly.

c.       Name of the person calling you

d.      How long you can expect to be on the call

2.       2.  Designate a quiet place

a.       Where you can talk freely

b.      If taking during lunch, go to your car

c.       Minimize background  noise and interruptions

3.       3.  Speak clearly, slowly and pause

a.       Beginning of the call, ask if they can hear you.

b.   Give clear and concise answers.

c.       Don’t try to fill in the silence. Just pause when you’ve answered the question.

4.       4.  Have your resume in front of you

a.      Use the document as a reference, just in case they bring up questions about your experience or if they reference something on the document on which they want clarification.

5.       5.  Ask what the next step is

a.       The goal is to get an in-person interview

b.      Ask how and when you can follow-up

c.       Submit additional materials – you may need to send them a portfolio, writing samples, copies of certifications, etc.

d.      Start date – Some employers can make an offer and a start date over the phone. (Commonly found in projects that accept individual contributors that work remotely).