hone Interviews: Are they a waste of time?
The Essential Phone Interview Handbook by Paul Bailo
Do you really need to bother preparing for phone interviews? Â It is just a phone call. Â It is not as though the person on the phone can see you. Â Can you accomplish anything at all?
You’ve already invested time applying for the job.  You have filled out and application.  You may have completed a web-based questionnaire.
Now you are ready to get face-to-face with people at the hiring company.
But you can’t meet face-to-face, because you must speak with some screener on the phone.
Assume Nothing.
The person on the phone plays a real role in your getting a job with the company. Â Even if you never speak with that person again, you cannot get a face-to-face meeting without their recommendation. Â Furthermore, the person on the phone may be someone who will be involved with you throughout your career with the hiring company. Â Getting off on the right foot may pay huge dividends down the line.
Make it Real.
Prepare as though you are going to a real interview.
Have these things on your desk:
- Your resume
- The job description
- A list of key points you wish to make about how your experience qualifies you for this specific job
- A list of questions
Select your interview place carefully.
- Pick a quiet room.
- Have a glass of water handy.
- Pick a comfortable chair.
- Don’t drive!Â
Even though you are on the phone, let your personality shine.
- Smile. Â You will project warmth even though the interview cannot see you.
- Listen to the interviewer’s questions.  Answer the questions. Do not just a reply to the question.
- Remember to take a silent deep breath from time to time.
- Say positive things about yourself and about your employer.
- The reason you are interviewing with the new company is that they offer things you cannot get from your current company.
- Make sure you understand the question before you answer it.
Remember to focus.
- Make your answers detailed but to the point.
- Allow the interviewer a chance to speak.
- Ask trial close questions: for example, ask the interviewer when the company will decide.
- Emphasize that you are interested in going forward for with the opportunity.
Do Not:
- Interrupt the call to take another call.
- Allow people to disturb you.
- Certainly, do not multitask.
- Interrupt the interviewer.
- No jokes! Do not try to tell a joke.
- Do not fake your answers. If you do not know that answer to a random question, just say so.
- Again, Do Not Drive!
Remember to close on an upbeat.
Thank the interviewer for taking time to speak with you. Â Emphasize that you hope to have a chance to speak again.