Preparing for a Phone Interview

- T.J. Lambro, Senior Technical Recruiter

Phone interviews are a great way for the client to become familiar with your qualifications, personality, and communication skills.

Remember that interviews are about solution selling.

Phone Interview Dos and Don’ts

• Match Your Qualifications - Review the job description and create a list of how your qualifications match the hiring criteria.  Have a copy of your resume in clear view so you don’t have to remember what you did when.
• Research the Job and the Company - The more prepared you are for the interview, the smoother it will go.
• Prepare for Standard Questions – Review answers to typical phone interview questions and think about how you will respond.
• Turn Off Call Waiting – If you have call waiting, turn it off. The beep of an incoming call is distracting.
• Free Yourself of Distractions - Interview in a private quiet space. It’s important that the rest of the household does not interfere with your focus.
• Have a Glass of Water Nearby – There’s nothing worse than having a tickle in your throat or a cough when you need to speak. Have a glass of water ready.
• Listen and Enunciate - Ask for clarification if needed. Speak slowly, carefully, and clearly when you respond. It’s fine to take a few seconds to compose your thoughts before answering.
• Pay Attention to Body Language - This might sound strange, but your body language matters on the phone. Focus on the interviewer and smile. You’ll make a better impression.
• Have Questions Ready - Be prepared to respond when the interviewer asks whether you have any questions. Prepare a few questions in advance, and review them prior to the interview.