How to Handle Telephone Interviews

A telephone interview is a great way to ease into the initial, tense encounter with your potential employer. Telephone interviews or "phone screenings" are becoming more and more common in today's technology driven workplace. Phone interviews are no longer exclusive to positions requiring heavy phone contact like call centers, help desks or reception. This type of interview can be somewhat intimidating, but needn't be.

There are many misconceptions about the phone interview. Many of the misconceptions exist because of the relative newness of this interview type. Some believe that during a phone interview you don't have to worry about your dress, posture or other considerations essential to the traditional in-person interview. I do not agree. All the rules from my previous article Lights Camera Interview still apply. There are a few extra points exclusive to the phone interview.

If a recruiter or hiring manager calls you without advance notice and wants to interview you on the spot, use caution. How often do you accept offers to "come in right now?" A phone interview should be scheduled at a designated time like any other. If given the option, schedule the interview during a time when you won't be distracted. If you have small children try to arrange for a sitter. Avoid times when you may be expecting furniture or other deliveries. Once you are scheduled, be sure to turn off televisions, radios and yes, cell phones. These actions will insure you can take or place the call without being interrupted. I advise against using a cell phone as well. You don't want to lose a call in the middle of an interview. Make every effort to conduct interviews from a landline.

Cell phones are a boon to modern communication, but the quality is still not the same as that of a landline. The last thing you want to do is frustrate a recruiter or hiring manager with a bad connection. Using a cell phone also increases your chance of being distracted. This is not the time to show you can multi-task. Your attention should be completely focused on the interview. A landline forces you to stay in a relatively stationary locale as opposed to walking around, looking out windows or boarding a train. Plan your interview from a landline in a quiet location.

Creating the setting of a traditional interview is essential since this is what you are most familiar with. Set up an "office". You can use a simple card table with a phone and your documents. Being seated at a desk creates an environment similar to an in-person interview. Have your resume, notes on the company, and other documentation at the ready for easy reference. Keep in mind however, to be organized. Avoid fumbling and rustling through paperwork.

As mentioned earlier, stay focused and avoid multi-tasking. It is counterproductive during a phone interview. You wouldn't check your email, program your TIVO or check on a casserole during an in-person interview. Don't do so while engaged in a phone interview.

The phone interview offers advantages over the traditional in-person interview. You can dress down (somewhat). You won't have to deal with the unpredictability of traffic or weather. You will be in a comfortable familiar environment. Care must be taken however, to maximize these advantages and remember rules of traditional interviews still apply. Good Luck.