Preparing for the Phone Interview Sun Prairie WI

It has become commonplace for companies to conduct phone interviews before bringing candidates in for a full screen. This has become a good way to identify unsuitable candidates and avoid wasting time. Many of my clients have asked me to help them prep for a phone interview.

Under normal circumstances you are sitting in front of someone; you have an opportunity to engage them – really let your personality shine through. Of course your body language, smile, and ability to connect with someone on a personal level gives you the upper hand when sitting in the same room. What do you do on the phone? The interviewer can’t see you – there is not opportunity to gauge body language or make the same kind of connection.

Despite the limitations associated with a phone screen you can still make a powerful impression – powerful enough to get the real deal – an invite to the office.

Contact Details: Don’t make it difficult for someone to reach you. Referenced on your resume and your cover letter should be the best number(s) to reach you. This is probably going to be your home and cell phone. Make sure if you answer your cell phone you are prepared to take the call – otherwise let it go to voicemail. Answering your cell to simply tell someone you are not available does not make a good impression. If you were unavailable, why did you pick up in the first place? If you are presently employed, I do not suggest referencing your work number. You wouldn’t want a potential employer to think you are pursuing opportunities at the expense of your present employer. If you are doing that they will make the assumption that you would do the same thing should you choose to move on from their employ. During your search, check your messages frequently so you can call back at an appropriate time.

What’s on your answering machine: Some people have their young children leave the message on home answering machines. I have heard other messages with music, the automated “Please leave a message at the tone,” and no message with a beep. How is the caller to know that he has reached the correct number? The music can be a bit annoying (depending how long you have to listen to Metallica for), and the kids are cute; but it doesn’t send a very professional message to the caller. Either reference “You have reached the Smith residence,” or “Thank you for calling 555.555.5555 there is nobody available to take your call at this time.”

The Call: When you do your phone interview make sure that you are in a quiet place with good phone reception. The minute you do your phone interview from your cell is the minute that technology fails you. I strongly recommend that you accept phone interviews via a land line. You should be ready to talk; this means that your resume should be in front of you. Have a glass of water available, and make sure there are no distractions. Your full attention is needed to ensure that you can establish a rapport with the caller and give all of your energy t...