Interviewing by Phone? Not a Problem

       Properly planning and preparing for a phone interview can increase your employment chances dramatically.   Characteristically, the initial phone call from an employer will be to arrange an in-person interview or to schedule a more formal in-depth phone conversation. This is often the result of the company wanting to make a “quick hire “and deciding to conduct an in-depth phone interview discussion with some potential candidates to determine if any applicant  is appropriate for the position they are filling.  Upon the phone interview screening, the company will then schedule a face to face interview.  For that reason, job seekers should always be ready for the both types of phone interviews: the predictable (which has been scheduled just like an in-person interview) and the surprising (which occurs with the first contact call.) 

            Good preparation  for an interview by phone should having your most accurate current résumé within your reach (perhaps in a drawer by the phone), having well prepared notes (by taking information from your résumé and preparing to answer difficult questions, as well as knowing and using proper phone protocol. 

 Proper Phone Interview protocol includes:

             Change your phone answering tone while you are in the job search process. Although you may have a preference in a certain type of music, it is best to go without during a job search.

             Be professional and business like when speaking during the interview.  Don’t get too friendly with the interviewer.. 

            Write down important information for further review after the call. 

            Let the interviewer speak and don’t interject comments unless asked to do so. 

            Answer all questions truthfully and avoid elaborating. 

            Follow your résumé as you talk about your history or schooling. 

© Copyright Vet2Work/Naturallysilver 2011-12. No re-publication of this article is permitted without express permission. This is an excerpt from "Successful Career Moves" by C.A. Stapleton. About the author:  C.A. Stapleton, A.S., B.S., M.B.A., is an experienced, published professional career consultant, mentor, and résumé/ biographical writer.