Making Effective Phone Calls
Tips on Phone Interviews
Follow these essential tips when
preparing for a phone interview
These days, phone interviews almost always precede face-to-face interviews. Recruiters conduct telephone interviews with job seekers at all levels. Phone interview questions and answers can take over an hour.
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If you are invited to a phone interview, prepare in advance, and follow these phone interview tips:
- When it is time for your phone interview, pick up the phone before voicemail kicks in.
- During the phone interview be positive, friendly and professional.
- Based on the job description, prepare and refer to a list of key messages to get across, and questions to ask. Most recruiters ask if you have questions about the job or the organisation. Saying no shows a lack of interest.
- Find somewhere private and quiet to talk where you will not be disturbed. Have your CV or resume in full view, a pen and paper to take notes, a copy of the job advertisement, your day-timer or calendar, and a glass of water just in case.
- Fully charge your mobile phone!
- Speak clearly and at a relaxed pace (some people rush their words when nervous or excited).
- At the end of the conversation, thank the caller for his / her time, indicate how much you enjoyed learning more about the position and the company, and ask about next steps.
- If the phone interview is wavering, hide your feelings and stay upbeat.
- Immediately follow up the phone interview with a thoughtful thank you note, reiterating your fit for the position and your excitement about being considered.
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Initiating Your Own Calls
Most job postings discourage phone calls. However, many job seekers use the telephone to request applications, seek further information about vacancies, check in with recruiters, and to network. Be professional and cordial whenever you make calls such as these. And when networking, pay attention to social cues, and reciprocate whenever possible.