Donna CurleyPressed for SuccessFebruary 22, 2010

A phone interview is a different kind of interview than an in-person interview.

You should prepare for it differently, it is usually considered to be an initial “first step” of the interview process.

A phone interview should not be taken lightly.

For the company/recruiter, screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants by accessing skills & salary

For the company/recruiter, to answer concerns potential employers have about your resume

For you, to make a strong first impression by phone to obtain a face-to-face interview

Create the ideal interview setting. Find a quiet place and remove all distractions from your desk. Turn off your computer. Alert family members & have a plan for pets if you have them.

If possible, take from a landline rather than a cell phone to avoid dropped calls, and turn off call waiting.

Make sure you leave yourself enough time in case the interview runs long. You do not want to feel or SOUND rushed.

If you wear earrings, remove them before the call.

Talk directly into the mouthpiece.  Hold the receiver approximately three inches from your mouth, not below your chin or above your nose. Speak in a relaxed, conversational style, as you would talk to someone in person. Practice with someone before your call.

Prepare, prepare, prepare! Write it down! Use notes & prompts!

Believe it or not, properly dressing in at least a business casual attire will make a big difference in your ability to focus on the interview.

Thoroughly research the company that is interviewing you.

Be sure to take a look at the company’s website. View LinkedIn & Twitter also

Review the job description

Review your resume

Determine your unique selling proposition, that separates you from the other people who will be interviewing for the job.

Whatever your unique selling proposition, be sure to inventory case studies, examples (SARs or PARs), stories, or other proof to support your claims.

Have a 1-2 minute speech prepared. A general synopsis of your skills and experience, and how it is relevant to the job.

Think about what questions may be asked based on the job description, and how you will answer.

Have your list of questions to ask the interviewer ready.

Think about your schedule and when you would be able to go in for an in-person interview, if necessary.

Stand up. It will give your voice more power and allow you to think clearer.

Smile! Make sure you are in a good mood.

Remember the 70/30 rule. During the interview, spend 70 percent of your time listening and only 30 percent talking, when possible.

Thank the interviewer for their time!

When asked “How you are doing”, answer, do not give a one word answer. Be cordial. Ask how they are.

The first 5-10 minutes of the interview is the most important. It is imperative that you find out exactly what they are looking for so you can best tailor your answers moving forward.

If the interviewer goes straight into questioning, you must ask them to explain more about the position.

You should explain that you are asking them to do this in order to best inform them of how you are a good fit for the position.

Confirm your answers. Ask them, “Is that the answer you are looking for or do you need me to expand?”

Make a commitment to listen.

Reserve judgment until the speaker is finished.

Try to parallel the tone and pace of the interviewer.

Don’t interrupt. Write down questions or comments for later.

Work in your unique selling proposition at least three times during the interview. Use it once at the beginning of the interview, again when you answer questions, and finally at the very end of the interview as a summary. “If there’s nothing else that you remember about my qualification, I hope you’ll remember…”

Don’t be afraid to show off your personality. Managers hire not only people who can do the job, but people they like. Feel free, when the time is right, to make a quick joke or comment on sports/weather/movies.

Take the interview into a conversation – use the interviewer’s name to establish a relationship.

Work in your list of questions you prepared to ask the interviewer.

Keep a glass of water handy.

Ask the Interviewer if you have answered all of their questions, and if there is anything additional they would like you to answer.

Ask any remaining questions from your list of questions.

At the end of the interview convince them of 2 things;

1. That you are confident in your abilities to do a great job and

2. That YOU want the job and would really like the opportunity.

At the conclusion, ask the interviewer about the next steps and timing of the employer’s hiring process.

Thank the interviewer for their time.

Be prepared to discuss in detail about what transpired on the phone interview. Take good notes.

Send a thank-you letter & email that again reinforces your unique selling proposition.

Send any requested follow-up material immediately. It’s an opportunity to show you are responsible and will follow through.

Try to reschedule surprise phone interviews.

Say that you have a conflict and suggest a time you can call back.

Thank you!