How to ace a telephone interview

Great advice...being prepared is key! I have loads of articles like this at Graduate Career Tips if you're interested

The practice is that some employers use phone interviews only, without having to reduce the pool of candidates in preparation for a face to face interview. This they do by a series of interviews on different dates. The difficult part is that the candidate finds it hard to conceptualize the amount of competition since he or she does not meet the other candidates.

If I got a phone interview from any hiring company I would answer yes only!!!

Hi my name is Omar i am student in Networking System Administration (Computer, Science),My little tip is what about if we use a mirror to help our practice,and interview

I think phone interviews are a waste of time. From my own experience, the questions are good, but then when you are called in, they will ask you the same questions from another interviewer. So why not just bring in who you feel is right for the position instead of wasting our minutes? If you want to tighten your belts, have us tighten ours!

Best not even start looking anyway because this job market is continuing to go down--people say its going back around again, but they only say it because they're the ones that got fired, and now their position is open for whoever comes their way.

I work in the customer service industry and my customers love me! I smile during the call, the person on the other end hears that in your voice. I acknowledge, per say,....the question "i want someone who is people oriented for this position" acknowledge by saying (using their name) I understand how important a people person is for the success of your company....it shows that you are listening and that also compliments the interviewer. ASSURE the person that you are right for the job. AT the end of the interview, paraphrase the requirements and conversation. it shows that you are on the ball and ends the call on a great note. Remember, you have only the first 30 seconds to make an impression after that, youre history. Lastly, ASK for the sale (ask for the job or feedback on the interview)...I feel that this job is right for me, how do you feel? close with a thank you for their time and tell them that you look forward to the next interview. maybe a bit overboard, but this is my call flow and this truly works

Marci, thanks for the article, these are some very good tips. I want to reinforce what LifeIsTooShort said about smiling, because I've worked in audio production and in-store media for so many years.

It's very true that people can tell if you're smiling while talking, and they can also hear you frown. (Yes, smiling is better!) Also, it doesn't hurt to keep a small glass of water nearby to pacify a dry mouth or throat (not for drinking, per se, but just to keep your throat, mouth and lips hydrated with small sips).

Hi Marci! As a career writer myself for WetFeet.com, I'm an avid follower of your blog. I'd like to watch your clip but I tried clicking and got an error message. Perhaps the link is incorrect? I hope you can fix it and I'll be sure to watch the video when it's up.

Cara

The first thing I share with jobseekers is decide what job/career they feel best match their values, skills and abilities. If you love working alone and have accomplished more tasks independently than working in a group, then working in a large call center may not be the best working condition for you. Then find the companies that are looking for those skills and abilities. Even during tough economic times, to take ANY job is a disaster. If you are not happy on a job, it will show and then you're back in the job market, with nothing useful to put on your resume. I believe in job retention!! You want to stay on that job until YOU decide it's time to 'move on up! A good work match equals a good working relationship. Remember, During the work week, a person spends more time with co-workers than with family. This is why it is so important to prepare for the interview, once you have decided what career companies you want to apply to.
#1 - RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. Find out as much about the companies as possible. Thank God for the internet. Google them or call (or stop by) and get a copy of their annual reports. You want to know everything about them. The report will tell you about new projects and who's heading them. It will also tell about new monies that have been awarded or increased sales, where it will go and what's it's intended use. You will also find who's heading new and innovative departments. It will also tell about company projections or where they want to be in one-five-ten years. Can you see yourself working for these companies? After reading their information, think about what you can do to help them to do a better job--be a better company. Find where they may be lacking and fill that void. You find that the company was having a difficult time recruiting clients for a certain program. Explain how you increased numbers in your last job, then tell them how you have 'already' come up with some ideas to increase their numbers, improve productivity, secure other lucrative projects, etc. Pres. Kennedy stated: "Think not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". What can you offer that company, how can you improve on your position? Where do you see yourself in five years employed with one of these companies? Or after the research, did you decide to move on. If so, at least you didn't waste your time interviewing (and possibly being hired)for a company where you spend your day praying to be laid-off!

Thanks so much, scharfcara, for telling me about the bad NY1 link. I've fixed it!

Nice post, but the line "think about crying babies..." made it clear you don't have children, because moms actively looking for work think about their babies and how to "hide" them from potential interviewers all the time--it's not an afterthought. It's definitely good advice to have a sitter (or a neighbor) or your partner basically get the baby out of the house or at least way on the other side of the house so you can concentrate on your phone interview with as little distraction as possible. I mentioned the fact that I had a toddler when I interviewed for the job I have now, and I don't think it's a good idea not to mention it, but employers don't want to see or hear evidence of them, imho.

thanks for your advice but I want to know more about the personal interviews

Be totally professional...and let your enthusiasm, self-confidence (not arrogance) shine through. Let your personality come through...don't be a fake...they will recognize a fake. Be sure to thank them for their time and their consideration.

anticipate questions and write a speech of it.

I read your article with interest, as I am presently in search of a full-time position. I have found that many CV's I sent by email for job applications end up at job placement agencies and they have never let me know in advance that they will call to interview me. usually it's a surprise call that goes something like " Mo ? " "speaking" I say. then it's we got your cv - what are your salary expectations ? It's usually some girl, fresh out of high school, who has no idea about anything in my profession and is just following orders in trying to find some sucker to work for the very unrealistic terms that an employer has given the agency. most cases do not offer any information and want you to put a foot in your mouth. 9 times out of ten the company who hired them doesn't invite me to an interview even though I have over 20 years experience in my field and meet all the criteria posted on the job specs.
sometimes i feel that employers should want to pay a bit more to get a quality person who knows what they're doing than hire someone with no experience and pay less, only to go through it all again shortly.
I mean, when i was starting out I couldn't land a job because i was unexperienced. now I can't because I'm over qualified ? shouldn't my experience be worth something ?

Great article. Thank You!

I was just in 2 phone interviews this week and it was definitely a surprise when they interviewed me over the phone. I was just waking up and a bit froggy in my voice, that was a bad idea to take the call. I'm so use to phone calls for a personal interview. They definitely wanted to know your pay range, what can you bring to the company, how you see yourself there, and what is the best quality you can offer to their clients. Most importantly I think they want to get a sense of your personality and the confidence you exude in the conversation.

I love the advice about smiling from lifeistooshort!

I don't have a land line phone and have to give my cell phone number for contact. What do I do if a potential employer calls when I am at an inconvenient location such as the grocery store or driving? Do I say that this is an inconvenient time and can I have a number to call back or is that going to kill my chances?