How do you approach phone interviews? Any tips?

Question

I have gotten phone interviews, but lately, I have been unable to turn them into in-person interviews. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Answer 1

- Research common interview questions. Study and answer them in writing on paper before the interview. Write the answers out as you would say them in person. In the interview try to prevent "reading" them, but rather use them as reference.
- Research the company you are applying for. Study their web site and other materials to learn about the company.
- Write down important info and keep it handy as the interview goes on. Especially the names of the people interviewing me. Remembering their name at a key point in the interview may score you points (I usually say "Thanks John for your time" when I hang up as an example; it shows professionalism and personalism).
- Be comfortable, and take time when answering questions. People sometimes have a fear of dead air, and while it's not great, don't try to fill it with details; you may say something you'll regret, or that will come out sounding weird (this has happened to me).
- Be alone during the interview. You will be more comfortable that way. And make sure your phone is charged if it's cordless. ;)
- Have a copy of your resume available to refer to, as well as a copy of the job posting.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Pretending that you are talking to someone that you know is good advice. Just be calm. Don't sit while you are talking, stand. You are able to communicate better this way, hence the reason public speakers aren't sitting down for a speech. Also, make sure that you are somewhere quiet away from distractions. Don't try to watch the game and do your phone interview at the same time. Be sure that you have done your research on the company that you will be interviewing with. When I did my phone interview, the guy asked me to tell him about the company. An advantage to doing the phone interview is that I had done my research, and had every bit of it sitting in front of me so I could reference it. Good luck. Hope you get called for the in person interview!

Answer 3

Could be a lot of reasons. Your communications skills may need improvement, your salary expectations are too high, you don't have good reasons for having left previous employers and wanting to leave where you are now. You are not able to answer the technical questions correctly. You are not willing to pay for your own relocation (if they aren't offering it). You come across as a griper/complainer. You complain about your co-workers or bosses so they think you have problems getting along with people.

Or you could have done a great interview but there were others who had better skills. It's highly competitive. Keep trying and don't get discouraged. Search for interviewing tips online - many apply even to phone interviews.

Answer 4

A couple things you can do:
Stand and walk around a little while on the phone. When sitting you sound bored with the interview.
Smile -- people can's see it, but can tell the difference in your voice.
Before the interview -- go on the web and find out how to answer the most often asked questions & then practice your answers out loud. I think Monster.com has 'em.

Answer 5

First, write out little essays answering the standard questions:

-- what did you do at your last job?
-- why did you leave?
-- what do you like about working in this industry?
-- what was your biggest success?

Then, after you've written them down, distill these answers into a short series of phrases that will remind you what you want to say. This way, you will sound calm and intelligent on the phone. You'll know what to say and be more relaxed.

Answer 6

I work in San Jose, CA and I got a phone interview from Atlanta. It kind of wierded me out, but you have the advantage. They don't know what you look like, what you are wearing, in general how you present yourself. Just keep cool and answer all questions to the best of your knowledge. If you don't know an answer tell them you don't know but you'll get back to them with the answer.

Answer 7

It may sound silly, but dress for it as if it was in person. People tend to think more clearly and professionally when they are dressed up. Then have a copy of your resume in front of you and sit at a desk or table.

Answer 8

I wish I knew !!!