Phone Interview

[KDAngel]

I love phone interviews. Well interviews in general really, but I digress... I was the youngest person the Ann Taylor LOFT ever at the time for assistant management, and I got the job through two 1hr phone interviews beating out a lot of people. I say this only to preface my advice...

I'm just answering the question the thread began with, not really reading what anyone else has said, so I apologize if I repeat things...

First, before you start speaking- SMILE. They say there's something it does to your voice and it just makes you sound more friendly. I believe it, but even if I didn't, it makes you relax a lil bit and that's the whole name of the game.

2- If you really want the job and feel that you'd be good for it, let them know that. I'm not saying be an arrogant jerk, but definitely make them aware that you ARE the one for the job. You don't want someone else who sounds like they can do it better to take it from you. Or worse yet, have them meet someone in person who comes off more confident.

3- You have to convey your personality over the phone. Let them know that you can get down to business and get things done, but that you're also worth having around. People like "people-persons." They're easy to handle in the workplace.

4- Be honest!! They may not be seeing you in person, but don't over-embellish yourself, and don't be afraid to say what you really think. If you have to explain why you left an old job, think like a reporter would and spin it so that you make your point but you don't seem like you're bashing your job.
I quit a restaurant I worked at my sophomore year of college because I hated that management was so slack. I didn't leave on good terms by ANY means. But when I talk about it now and I let employers know that it was unbearable and for what reasons. I say I left on bad terms, but that they'd say I was in fact a great worker, but my standards were higher than theirs.
You run a fine line here, but most employers like to know that you have high standards and want to keep and meet them.

5- Don't overthink it. Odds are the first thing you think of is the best thing to say, just like in person. If you wouldn't research the job in person, there's no need to do it now. You want to sound natural and well informed, but not robotic. So be familiar with things and have answers, but don't freak out too much, being a confident and polished sounding version of yourself is what's going to get the job- that and your credentials.

6- Finally, be polite. "Yes sir/ma'am" is going to get you a lot further than "yes/sure/uh huh" will. If the interviewer asks if you have questions, I'd say ask something simple. That way it shows you're interested, but isn't anything too much. But if you don't have one, don't worry about that either.

I've been the underdog in every "important" job that I've ever gotten and it's a joke among my friends that I literally have been offered a job at every place I've applied despite that fact. I've learned how to impress people enough in interviews by letting them know they'd be missing out if they pass me by, and that's all you have to worry about doing. Easier said than done I know, but if you don't believe in yourself and your abilities, why should anyone else?

Good luck!!

[CarolinaDG]

Do people use phone interviews as a weed-out only, or do employers use it sometimes for their borderline applicants, to see if maybe they will be surprisingly good?

Also, do employers sometimes skip that step for qualified applicants?

Just wondering, 'cause I have one tomorrow. :-)

[darling1]

if this is the first interview then, perhaps yes it is a weed out process. there are instances where circumstance on the part of the employer makes it necessary to have a phone interview. in my case my phone interview was with the director on a day in which the building is closed for business. it was also less than 10 minutes, another reason why to conduct an interview over the phone and not in person.

Originally Posted by CarolinaDG

Do people use phone interviews as a weed-out only, or do employers use it sometimes for their borderline applicants, to see if maybe they will be surprisingly good?

Also, do employers sometimes skip that step for qualified applicants?

Just wondering, 'cause I have one tomorrow. :-)

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by CarolinaDG

Do people use phone interviews as a weed-out only, or do employers use it sometimes for their borderline applicants, to see if maybe they will be surprisingly good?

Also, do employers sometimes skip that step for qualified applicants?

Just wondering, 'cause I have one tomorrow. :-)

I've given phone interviews. For me, it is a way to weed out candidates. If I like what I hear on the phone, I invite them in for an interview on the spot.