As a blogger, I do phone interviews as part of my weekly tasks. I am continually interviewing people for a post I am researching, or talking to different brands to see if we will collaborate on a project. It can be stressful, but as long as you know these tips, you can keep your cool and win over the person on the other end of the line.
Tips for Nailing a Phone Interview
1. Notepad and pen: Have a notepad and pen during the call. This will enable you to write any notes that you may need after the call, and you can also write down any questions that you may think to ask towards the end of the call.
2. Water: I like to keep a glass of water readily available because my throat may start to get dry. Make sure to take small sips when drinking and swallow quietly or put your phone on mute for a second.
3. Computer: I usually have my computer with me during an interview and have the website up that belongs to the company or person that I am speaking with. If anything comes up that I may have questions on or need any information, I have the info at my fingertips. Just be sure the interviewer can’t hear you typing.
4. Research: Even though I have their web page in front of me, I want to familiarize myself with their website/company/policies before I get on the call. Make sure you have notes and any questions that you want to ask. A lot of companies want to know that you took the time to learn about them.
5. Distraction free zone: Make sure there is nothing that is going to distract you. It can be anything from kids, your husband or even your pets. Go into a quiet room and shut the door if you can. As soon as I stop paying attention to my cat, she will come up on the table while I am on my phone call and start waltzing all over my keyboard. Interviewers don’t think it is cute to tell your pet that they are being silly and it can distract you and get you out of your train of thought very quickly.
6. Time: Make sure you have enough time to hold a phone interview. If it is going well, it can last longer than your work break or lunch. What if the interviewer calls late? Also make sure to be prepared at least 10 minutes before the scheduled call time. Some interviewers use this as a tactic to see if you are prepared.
Those are my tips, but do you have any to add?
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
Phone Interviews would make me nervous I think because I can’t see the other person. Being able to see their expressions would make me more relaxed. Since that’s not always possible, and Phone Interviews are inevitable in this day and time, your tips will help me feel more confident when the time comes that I have to participate in a Phone Interview. Thanks for sharing.
Megan Elford says
I work partially from home and taking calls is part of my job. I use quite a few of these tips when I’m answering calls. I always make sure I’m in a quiet spot in the house (so they can’t hear Sesame Street in the background, lol!) and I make sure I’ve got a pen and paper. I’ve even been known to sit on the other side of the sliding door to our backyard to take a call without the sound of “Mommy, Mommy!” in the background :-)
Jenn says
Thanks for the list of tips. :) I have horrible phone anxiety, so I try to keep my correspondence to email whenever possible. Still, there are times when I just can’t avoid a phone call, so I try to stay on task and free of distractions in order to make the conversation both fast and efficient.
Melissa says
Love these tips for a phone interview. When my husband lost his job two years ago and was searching we couldn’t believe how many of his interviews were via the phone and teleconference. He had very few “in person”. Thanks for the tips!
Cynthia L says
I don’t have to conduct interviews, but I do find myself on the phone often during the day. I am a paper and pencil kind of girl, so I always have a notebook and pen around. I like to refer back to my notes at the end of the day.
Danielle K says
That sounds like an awesome program and these are great tips. Finding a distraction free zone for phone calls is key for me otherwise my son will start trying to talk on the phone, jump on me, etc.
Robin Gagnon says
I have been working for myself for years now, and the two jobs I had before that I was recommended for, so I just sort of agreed and started. I would be SOOOO rusty and nervous if I had to do a job interview.
Amanda says
These are great tips. I complete a ton of phone interviews from home for my blog so these tips were super helpful.
PS Not sure how many times this comment went through…all of the pop up ads on this site made my computer go crazy.
Nicole Herose Escat says
These looks awesome campaign and great tips too! last week was my interview and the result is bad :( but thank you for sharing this wonderful tips, I’ll apply it on my next job interview love this post.
SHARON WONG says
These are great tips! I havebeen doing a little job searching, and I could really use these tips on my next interview. Thanks for sharing! :)
Roselynn says
Water is such a good idea to have handy while on a phone interview, especially like you’re prone to get nervous like I do. I have always thought of my phone skills very limited, which is funny because ironically I work as a helpdesk and have to be on the phone all the time.
Geanine says
Great tips! My first phone interview I was so afraid of sound issues I used my headphones. So glad I did! The doctor I was interviewing was soft spoken, and I would have never heard a word she was saying.
April Decheine says
Phone interview tips are so important, my husband had a Skype interview, I worked with him for a good week and he got the job!