Phone Interview

Telephone interviews are often the first step in an interview process.  The main difference between these and a face-to-face interview is that you cannot see the people or read their body language and nonverbal cues.

The main benefits for you include

• Having your materials in front of you for easy access.

• Feeling less pressure since it isn’t in person and can be on your own “turf.”

• Accessing opportunities without having to travel to them initially.

You should prepare for a telephone interview just as you would for an in-person one.  This includes

• Dressing professionally—when you dress professionally you tend to speak, act, and feel more professional.

• Smile—interviewers can “hear” the smile in your voice.

• Avoid distractions—roommates, pets, television, and other distractions can take your focus away from the interview. Find a quiet, private location for your phone interview.

• Have a good connection—make sure, if using a cell phone, that your signal is strong.  It might hurt your chances if an employer has difficulty hearing you or the call gets disconnected as the result of a dropped call.