Telephone Interview Tips & Techniques

Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.

While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.  

Be Prepared to Interview

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

• Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
• Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
• Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
• Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
• If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
• Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.  

Practice Interviewing  

Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. I've always found it's helpful to practice. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked.

During the Phone Interview
• Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
• Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
• Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
• Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
• Don't interrupt the interviewer.
• Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
• Give short answers.
• Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.  

After the Interview:
• Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
• Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.  

Writing Thank You Letters


Writing a thank you letter, or thank you email, after an employment interview is a must. In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail to follow-up promptly. Plan to send out your thank you letters as soon as possible (preferably within twenty-four hours) after your interview.  

Customize Your Thank You Letters  

Like any piece of writing, it is best to keep your audience in mind. Address their issues and concerns. In general, typed (paper or email) thank you letters are recommended.
However, some surveys suggest than hiring managers like hand written thank notes, too. So, consider the "personality" of the organization and the rapport you felt during your interviews. If your interview was a fairly informal process and/or you achieved an immediate rapport with your interviewer, a handwritten note is fine.

View Your Thank You Letters as Sales Letters

You may also view your thank you letters as follow-up "sales" letters. In other words, you can restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.  

Job Interview Questions

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm  

Interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared. Take the time to review the "standard" interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also review sample answers to these typical interview questions.  

Then take the time to research the company. That way you'll be ready with knowledgeable answers for the job interview questions that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.

Interview Questions: Work History

• Name of company, position title and de***ion, dates of employment.
• What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met? -
• What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
• What were your responsibilities?
• What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
• Which was most / least rewarding?
• What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position?
• What was it like working for your supervisor? What were his strengths and shortcomings?
• Why are you leaving your job?
• What have you been doing since your last job?
• Why were you fired?

Job Interview Questions About You

• Describe a typical work week.
• How many hours do you normally work?
• How would you describe the pace at which you work?
• How do you handle stress and pressure?
• What motivates you?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
• Tell me about yourself.
• If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
• Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
• Give some examples of team work.
• What type of work environment do you prefer?
• Describe a difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.
• How do you evaluate success?  

Job Interview Questions About the New Job and Company
• What interests you about this job?
• Why do you want this job?
• What applicable attributes / experience do you have?
• Are you overqualified for this job?
• What can you do for this company?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why are you the best person for the job?
• What do you know about this company?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What challenges are you looking for in a position?
• What can you contribute to this company? -
• Are you willing to travel?
• Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?

Interview Questions: The Future  
• What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
• What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
• How do you plan to achieve those goals?
• What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term?

What to Say If You've Been Fired  
If you were fired from your job, you will need to be prepared with an answer as to why you were fired. Here are twelve sample answers you can use to respond.  
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewfired.htm