phone interview advice

JenMarie · #1 09-12-2005, 12:57 AM

Y'know I didn't think I'd be looking for another job again so soon, but this interview just kinda fell in my lap. It's a position for a graphic designer AND event planner!

For once I'm actually qualified for both aspects of the job and the location is PERFECT.

Needless to say, I really want this job.

I have a phone interview on Wednesday.

I hate phones and all aspects of talking on them.

I love to speak with my hands and I'm quite expressive in person. I fear that talking to me for 45 minutes would be rather drab.

And I know for a fact that phone etiquette is terrible. I mean I don't sit and eat over the phone or anything, but sometimes I have problems with making sure people can hear me. (Cell phone don't help either.)

So what advice do you have for this phone interviewee?

James · #2 09-12-2005, 02:34 AM

Read shakespeare or something interesting out loud in a talking voice for at least half hour before the interview. . . it warms your voice up so to speak.

Also, either workout or walk for at least 45 minutes before the interview. It gets rid of nervous tension and focuses you.

AXOeva · #3 09-12-2005, 08:56 AM

I had to do a couple of phone interviews for my internship a couple years ago. I went to school in North Carolina and the internship was at Madison Square Garden. I made sure that I was wide awake and tried to be as personable as possible. Phone interviews are nice because you can have all sorts of cheat sheets: the job description, company profile, your resume and cover letter. There are some people who tell you to dress up for a phone interview as you would for an face-to-face interview. The theory of course is that you will then have the same mindframe over the phone as in-person. I think that as long as you sound professional and mature, you should be comfortable. It would make me more nervous if I was sitting at the kitchen table in a business suit talking on the phone to someone five states away.

Good luck with the interview!

Little E · #4 09-12-2005, 09:50 AM

Ohhh good luck!!!
I just got a job offer last week to do convention and tradeshow planning. I'm very excited, I start on the 26th!!!!!!!

I agree with the dressing up part I think it helps. Just to get you in the right mind-set. I would suggest making sure there is space at a table or a desk to sit at and take notes, (like the names of the people on the conf call), maybe a small glass of water just in case. Other than that, just make sure you use your voice to express what your hands do and you'll be great!

Good Luck!!!

aephi alum · #5 09-12-2005, 10:51 AM

I've done several phone interviews. The interview process for the job I'll soon be starting began with a phone interview. So I guess I'm good at them.

Don't do your phone interview with a cell phone if you can help it, unless you're in a place where the signal is very strong.

If you have a headset, use it. Test it out beforehand so you are certain that you can be heard clearly.

Dress up. You don't have to wear a suit, as the interviewer will not be seeing you, but you shouldn't just wear pajamas and fuzzy bunny slippers. Dressing up puts you in a more professional mindset.

Keep your notes in front of you - your resume, cover letter, info on the company, and some scratch paper and a pen.

Good luck!

KSigkid · #6 09-12-2005, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aephi alum

Don't do your phone interview with a cell phone if you can help it, unless you're in a place where the signal is very strong.

Good advice - you don't want your phone dropping a call during an interview; that would most likely end any chance at the job. Also, you neverk now whether you'll get interference or something like that.

Land lines work best, you don't want to lose your chance on a technicality.

JenMarie · #7 09-12-2005, 09:42 PM

I would use a landline... however all I have IS a cell phone. I generally have good reception where I'll be and I'm going to try and leave my current job a little earlier so I can be in my apartment, rather than my car at some Starbucks. (The only other landline I have is at my desk at my current job... and I can't use that.)

I have heard about dressing up for the interview even though it's not in person.

And as far as I know, it's just one person interviewing me.

Another question... what questions do you ask in a phone interview that couldn't wait until the in-person interview?

This always boggles my mind. Especially with multiple interviews. They always ask if you have questions and it'd be dumb to show up to either interview without them. So which ones do you ask at the phone interview... and then which ones would you ask at the potential in person interview?

fijijr · #8 09-13-2005, 01:47 AM

Make sure if you have water there to drink that it does not have any ice in it it causes distraction to the interviewer when it is placed back down or when you are drinking.

I have also heard about dressing comparable to a regular interview.

Ensure that where you are going to have the phone call is free from foot traffic.

Practice with a friend by having them call you and asking you questions about your past or work history.

Watch the ums. it is real easy to put them in but a simple pause is much more effective. You can have that friend do a critique of how you came across. Tone, diction, and pitch are very important on phone interviews since they take the place of hand gestures that you would naturally do.

Eclipse · #9 09-13-2005, 12:27 PM

As an HR professional who just ended a 5 month unemployment period, I have a lot of experience (on both sides) with phone interviews.

Is your phone interview with an HR person? If so, this person is probably only going to qualify you. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your resume (gaps in employments, why you are looking to leave current job, etc.), salary requirements and some general info about your experience. The questions about experience will probably closely align with the job description or ad, so make sure you spend some time thinking about how your background/qualifications match what they are looking for.

Definately have all of your supporting documentation in front of you: resume, ad/job description, etc. to refer to.

I know a lot of people said dress up for the interview, but this is not really an issue for me. Because I have worked at home in the past, I can do a killer phone screen in my pajamas (and I know because I have!), but if that helps you, go for it.

I've heard other people suggest that you have a small mirror in front of you so you can see what you look like. If you are smiling most likely that will come across in your voice. Speaking of voice, make sure you are upbeat and energetic. Nothing worst that doing your 3rd or 4th screen of the day and the person is monotone. Puts me to sleep and if I zone out on part of your qualifications I am less likely to move you to the next level.

JenMarie · #10 09-15-2005, 09:10 PM

I had my interview today. It went well and they want to meet me in person. I have the second interview on Monday!

I guess I was just lost on what questions to ask then and which to ask later. I didn't ask all the ones I normally ask... but I need some new ideas.

I usually ask: Who am I working with? Who is on my team? Do I have direct communication with someone that can give me feedback. Describe a typical work day, if applicable/duties during the day. What office would I be working in (as there were many.) And how do reviews/promotions get arranged? Can I move up/advance in this job?

I usually ask these in the first meeting, but never have anything after... mostly because I never get past the second meeting or there isn't one.

Basically... I need new questions.

JenMarie · #11 09-20-2005, 12:35 AM

Woot! I got an offer! YAY!

I find out the terms tomorrow. But if the pay is decent I'm totally going for it.

SmartBlondeGPhB · #12 09-20-2005, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fijijr
I have also heard about dressing comparable to a regular interview.

LOL, I wore my pajamas for the one I had Monday morning and it only lasted 10 minutes. I must have done well though because I found out today that they want me for the job.

I've had a few phone intereviews and I've never practiced for any of them. I just talk like I would at a regular interview.

And congrats at getting the job!

DGMarie · #13 09-20-2005, 10:59 PM

Do not, under any circumstance, answer the phone on the first ring and loudly, nay GLEEFULLY, announce: "Good morning! This is the JenMarie Maribeth McDonald residence. How can I help you?"

Change the name and you have exactly what I experienced in a phone interview with a middle aged man applying for a 6 figure job I was hiring for. Needless to say the rest of the interview was as equally bizarre and no, of course he did not get the job.

JenMarie · #14 09-21-2005, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DGMarie
Do not, under any circumstance, answer the phone on the first ring and loudly, nay GLEEFULLY, announce: "Good morning! This is the JenMarie Maribeth McDonald residence. How can I help you?"

Change the name and you have exactly what I experienced in a phone interview with a middle aged man applying for a 6 figure job I was hiring for. Needless to say the rest of the interview was as equally bizarre and no, of course he did not get the job.

Yes because that's how I answer every phone call.

Now my next challenge is giving my notice. Boss is on a business trip til Friday/Monday and new job wants me to start on the 3rd... so that gives me a week? Errrrrrr...

Rudey · #15 01-18-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AXiD670
*bump*

I've got a phone interview tomorrow on my lunch break. It's been almost four years since I've had a phone interview. My office isn't exactly private -- should I try to go sit in the conference room and close the door? Or would it be rude to put her on hold right after she calls?

I would do it in the conference room. It's what I did. The few times I did it at my desk, I was so scared people would hear me that i spoke so quietly.

-Rudey