Phone Interviews

After you’ve sent your resume to potential employers, a phone interview could occur at any time, especially if you put your cell phone number on your resume. Here are some tips to keep in mind so you are ready when the phone rings.

Create an Interview Binder. Purchase a standard three ring binder, and insert tabbed divider pages into it. Label each divider with the name of a company you sent a resume to. Behind each tabbed divider insert a copy of the job description you applied to, a copy of the resume you sent for that position, any research information you found about the company, a sheet of paper with three or more questions you can ask the interviewer, and a couple blank sheets of paper for taking notes. Take this binder with you everywhere except the face to face interview. When an interviewer calls, you’ll have all of the information available for easy access.

Prepare your household. Have a talk with your wife/husband, kids, and roommate(s). Let them know that you are in “Interview Mode” and if the phone rings it could be a potential employer calling to interview you.

Make a plan.

• Who will answer the phone? It is probably not a good idea to have kids answer the phone unless they are older, respectful on the phone, and can take a message if necessary.


• All quiet. If the phone rings everyone in the household needs to know to be quiet or leave the room so you can interview.


• What room will you interview in? It’s a good idea to use a room where you’ll have some privacy and silence. The bathroom is not recommended.
  

Stand Up. One of the toughest things about a phone interview is expressing your personality and enthusiasm through the phone using only your voice. Standing up and walking around during your phone interview will get your blood flowing and help you express your “energy” through the phone.

What can go wrong, will go wrong. No matter how much preparation you’ve done or how great your plan is, employers may call you at the worst possible moments. If an employer calls when you’re distracted or can’t talk, it is alright to say, “I’m glad you called. I’m very interested in the position, however now is not a good time for me to talk. Can I call you back or can we reschedule this for a different time?” Make sure you get their contact information before you get off of the phone.

What’s next? At the end of every interview ask, “What’s the next step?” If you don’t ask, you’ll be left hanging, waiting by the phone, not knowing what the next step is.