The telephone is used as a way to screen applicants. Rarely will you be able to win the job on the telephone. Your goal from the telephone interview is to gain a face-to-face meeting.
DO:
Have a copy of your current resume, transcript, and the job description in front of you during the interview. Make a list of answers to anticipated key questions, a list of points that you might want to mention, a calendar with all scheduled commitments, and a folder for each company you have applied, a notepad and pen.
Keep a log of companies and titles of job applied for, which will help you be better prepared if you are called unexpectedly.
Record a professional message for your answering machine or voicemail.
Research the company, contact, or executive recruiter.
Listen carefully at the beginning of the conversation to get the caller’s correct name and job title.
Be enthusiastic, professional, and show interest in the position and organization.
Talk slowly, show self-confidence, and be concise.
Stand up while talking, to keep your energy level high, but avoid pacing the floor – you might sound out-of-breath without realizing it.
Speak loudly enough that you can easily be heard.
Use correct grammar and complete sentences.
Minimize all distractions making sure your background is quiet.
Be a champion listener – prove your listening by feeding back what the interviewer says.
Ask pertinent questions about the job and the company, not just about salary, benefits, and/or hours.
Thank the caller for his or her time.
Send a thank-you note to the interviewer(s).
DO NOT:
Use speech fillers such as “uh” and “um” or long pauses.
Whine about your past or present job or boss.
Assume because you sent in your resume anyone’s read it. Be prepared to start from the beginning.
Eat, drink, or chew gum during the interview.
Type on the computer during the interview.
Turn off music or TV during the interview.
Put an interviewer on hold to take call waiting.
Give long-winded, detailed responses.
Rush through the interview.
Give yes/no answers. Instead try to give concise, real-world examples to illustrate your points.
Call on Monday mornings. Most people are trying to play catch up from the weekend.