Phone GROUP interview

[GeekyPenguin]

I have an interview next month that is over the phone with a panel of interviewers. I've done a few phone interviews before, but those were all one-on-one. Does anyone have advice or tips for this situation?

[NutBrnHair]

I would try to get the names of the people on the call ahead of time, if possible. If not, I would write them down as they are introduced. Using their names during the conversation would be good.

Also, I would be careful not to interrupt anyone. If you start to talk at the same time, I'd say something like "Excuse me, please go ahead."

Make sure you have no barking dogs, crying babies, ringing cell phones in the background.

Smile & speak clearly -- using good grammar.



Best of luck.

[ree-Xi]

1. Before the interview starts, have a glass of water, pen and paper ready.
2. A trick I try when I used to sing, to keep my voice from getting scratchy, is to drop a few dropes of real lemon juice on the back of my throat. Try that before you pick up the phone.
3. Do NOT type on your computer during the interview.
4. Ask for each person's name and title, and spelling of name.
5. Smile when talking - you can hear a smile.
6. Speak slowly, even pausing if you need to.
7. Ask how the interview will be conducted - for example, will each person be speaking/asking questions, or will some just be listening?
8. Try not to use a speaker phone, but use a headset (most home phones are compatible with a head set).
9. Use the MUTE button if you need to cough or have any other bodily interruptions.
10. DON'T use the bathroom. My brother in law once had a conference call while he was at home, thought he hit mute, used the bathroom, and flushed. It happened at the precise moment someone asked "any more questions?". Luckily, several people were calling in from home and no one knew it was him.
11. Pay attention! If you didn't hear clearly, ask them to repeat.
12. Ask what the next step is before hanging up.

Send a written thank you note to everyone there.