David Limato ⋅ Fremont, CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 15 years experience

Michael, Thank you for your service to your country.

Phone interviews have become a standard way to screen candidates. As Maria has stated, have someone help you practice.

It’s also a good idea to have a plan.

-Plan where you will conduct the interview, and make sure you have eliminated all distractions.

-Stand or sit, decide whats comfortable.

-Don't speak while the other person is speaking.

-Prepare answers to some typical questions. You don't want to come off as scripted but you should not be surprised by the unusual question.

Here are just a few common questions.

*Describe what your current job roles are.

*Give us an example of a problem that you faced, and how you solved it.

*What do you like or dislike about your last job (this is a trick question, they are measuring your attitude. No matter your answer, remain positive).

*What are your strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, if you get stuck on a question in an interview, prepare an answer for your next interview.

Remember, the phone screen is not the job interview itself, but the first step in finding your next job. Employers look for positive cues, brightness and your ability to communicate.

Best of luck and tell us how your next one goes.
Thanks, Dave

Andy Lewis ⋅ Denver, CO Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

+1 for Maria's answer. Also recommend getting the book "The 250 Job Interview Questions You'll Most Likely Be Asked". If possible, get the CD version so you can listen to tone & inflection for the sample answers. There's no body language over the phone, HOWEVER supposedly if you keep a mirror nearby you can check your own and use that feedback to ensure that you're not tensing up etc.
Other recommendation is to stop hanging up on telemarketers :-) Treat a couple like interviews - stay relaxed, answer questions as succinctly as possible while highlighting why YOU'RE the right guy for them to call tonight! Then politely ask to be removed from their list...

Patricia Sanderlin ⋅ Hempstead, TX HP ⋅ 20 years experience

Michael,

First, thank you for your service!

Here are some tips that I can add/emphasize from having interviewed many applicants over the phone:

- Use the methods from the Book '60 seconds and you're hired'
- Add more information when probed; otherwise, keep it simple and crisp and answers down to 2 min max!
- Breathe and allow pauses after at least 2 min of talking (you don't want to ramble as it feels you are talking to yourself and you cannot see the other person's body language, if they are bored or want to interject and ask a question - so pause to allow the other person to speak up if needed)
- Sit up straight or stand (don't slouch, it makes you mumble)
- Have an absolute quiet environment, turn your cell phone off
- Feel free to cheat with your notes but avoid sounding like you are reading off them - practice, rehearse and practice more, like a speech until you have your three key points down
- Feel free to dress up as it makes you feel like you are in an interview, avoid pyjamas
- Have your resume in front of you
- Smile!

Good luck,

Patricia

Neal Gouck ⋅ North Attleboro, MA U.S. Army, Major ⋅ 12 years served

Hi Michael,

I tried this from someone else's advice, but get dressed up put a tie on the whole bit. Also if you know the gender of who you'll be speaking with open up a magazine or just have some general face to speak with. Afterwards, I felt it was good advice and kept energy level high during the call, and nothing lost.

Good luck,
Neal

Morgan Lerette ⋅ Glendale, AZ AAA ⋅ 6 years experience

Hey Michael,

Some of this was mentioned above but I wanted to expound upon it. The beauty of phone interviews is the interviewer can't see you so have notes near you to reference. Specifically concerning some career highlights you want to weave into the conversation. Also, have a few questions you want to ask the interview which shows you researched the company: I.e, where does this position lead? Does it translate well into...name another position you researched. This shows you researched the company and also see it as a career company.

Second, wear a suit. They can't see you but the way you act and hold yourself in a suit changes the tone of the conversation. Wearing a suit helps your professional posture, tone, and confidence (just as ZZ Top). If you can be at a desk, this also sets the stage nicely as it feels like you are being interviewed within a work environment.

Finally, do it in an area with no distractions. No TV. No Computer. No traffic noise. No dogs. Nothing. Think of a time you spoke over the phone with someone who was watching tv. Temptations are hard to ignore for an hour so find a spot where you have the least amount of them.

Morgan

Leslie Robertson ⋅ Half Moon Bay, CA Nebula, inc. ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Michael,

I conduct phone interviews with candidates fairly often. Because the body language clues are all missing in a phone situation, it's really important to listen carefully to the question being asked. If you don't completely understand what the interviewer is looking for with a particular question, it's perfectly OK, to ask for clarification, or even to restate the question in your own words to check for comprehension. The other thing I listen for are "canned" answers. It's always best to answer questions authentically and with conviction, even if the answer is not "correct" per se. I will often ask followup questions when I get a candid answer that surprises me, and this usually results in a more productive conversation. I want to hire motivated, independent thinkers, so I get more interested when a candidate listens carefully and then responds appropriately, even in an unexpected way. I hope that helps, and good luck!

Megan McCarthy ⋅ Dallas, TX ⋅ 2 years experience

Michael,

Thank you for your service!

I agree with what many of the ACP members have stated. Phone screens are a way to get to know the candidate beyond their resume. Relax and let your personality help guide you. Many times the questions are to see if you're a good fit for the culture and/or for the department you're interviewing and get a sense of your skill set based on your resume.

If you feel tripped up over a question count to five and your brain usually catches up with you so you can answer and draw your attention away from your nerves.

Always think of ways you can relate the question back to an experience in your life. It doesn't always have to be work related. Some questions aren't directly related to the job at all but more geared towards your thought process or how well you think on your toes.

Once you finish the interview always ask what the next steps are if not mentioned. This way you will know what to expect and where you are in the process.

I hope this helps!

If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me at megan.elizabeth.mccarthy@gmail.com

My last bit of advice is to practice and know your resume. However, don't offer "canned" responses. Be genuine and good luck!

Best,
Megan McCarthy

Chris Peck ⋅ Atlanta, GA UPS ⋅ 30 years experience

Michael--
Given that interviews themselves can be very stressful, phone interviews have an added dimension since you can't gauge the interviewers visual, non-verbal feedback.

I know most people don't have landline phones these days but if at all possible, try to have the interview on a landline. The quality is better and you will likely be more comfortable than on a mobile. The interviewer will also appreciate it if you're able to call back from one. Absolutely never use a speakerphone.

I'd also recommend you dress as you would for an in-person interview. Even though you won't be "seen" over the phone, how you're dressed does make a difference in your confidence and professionalism. Maria-Teresa's advice for a practice phone interview is a also a good idea.

Best wishes for success!

Rgds--Chris

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Prepare and practice your "Elevator Speech".
https://www.google.com/search?q=elevator+speech

Lavonne Brigger ⋅ Frisco, TX U.S. Air Force ⋅ 26 years served

Michael-

I've listened to many of my husbands phone interviews as he was transitioning into the Civilian workforce. One thing I noticed is that nervousness had him talking much faster than he normally would. I did practice interviews before the real one, I helped him google actual interview questions from the company. (Glassdoor.com is a good resource for finding these) and I reminded him to slow down and speak normally. Remind yourself to breathe and try to speak as if you're in a normal conversation. He is a pacer so walked around all through the house while he was interviewing. If you are as well, allow yourself that room.

Hope this helps and good luck! Please reach out to me if you have any other questions.

Lavonne

Sanford Walker ⋅ Wesley C, FL Verizon ⋅ 18 years experience

Hello Michael,

For phone interviews, I try to visualize that person on the line is in the room with me. To achieve that, I try and find a secluded location and also use a landline and speakerphone.

Good Luck!

Dave Zimmerman ⋅ West Palm Beach, FL Allergan ⋅ 13 years experience

Mike

First Time Phone Interviews are usually the "why shouldn't hire you" interview. Review the job description and know the skills needed for the position. Go to the website and know the company. If they are asking specific questions on your skills, be clear concise and to the point. I have this qualification and this experience.

And one more thing, answer the question and then shut up. Worst thing about phone interviews are the candidates tend to jibber jab for 5 minutes since they aren't prepared and they can't see the interviewer to understand it is time to stop talking.

Hope it helps.

Marc Leduc ⋅ Hamburg, NY Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

Hello Michael,

Some great answers so far. I want to add another topic to the discussion.

When you talk to someone face to face there are many things going on.
-the words you choose
-how you present the words. tone , inflection, etc.
-body language and appearance

With a phone interview all you have are the words you choose and how you say them. This means these become that much more important as it is all you are presenting to the interviewer.
When I am teaching someone to become a trainer at my job we spend a lot of time on these topics.

Lets talk about how we present the words. An exercise is to record yourself talking for one minute about a topic you are familiar with. You can possibly do this with a cellphone or with a computer. Then play back your recording and listen carefully. Are you using "Umm" "ahhh" a lot. If so practice trying to take those out of your speech. We often do that when we are trying to put together our next comment. It is better to just pause and think. The "umm"s and "ahh"s can portray a lack of confidence. Once you start noticing them you will find they will disappear from your speech on their own.

Another exercise. Record yourself again but make sure you stop in between each sentence and count to 3 in your head. Listen to the recording. When i was making these recordings the pauses seemed way too long but when i listened to them they sounded just fine. Once you are ok with this it will help you slow yourself down a bit when talking during an interview. This helps you gather your thoughts and make it easier for the listener to absorb what you are saying.

Claudia Jayne ⋅ Santa Ynez, CA Such Comforts (custom bedding) ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Michael, Sounds 'corny'..but make sure you are smiling the whole time...they can hear that! And stand up.. with good energy while talking with them. Don't forget to ask them questions ..you are interviewing them as well!

Richard Buck ⋅ Patterson, NY EY ⋅ 25 years experience

For phone interview need to prepare where you will take the call.

Do not use a cell phone. Reasons:
1- a lot of times it is hard to hear or fully understand what the person is saying.
2- to much of a chance call will be dropped

Make sure you are in a place without background noises.

Prepare for your answers as if you were having a face-to-face interview

Make sure to do your background study of the company. A lot of times the phone interview is more of a phone screen to see you fit for the company.

If you like I would be willing to have a mock phone interview for practice.

--------------------------------------------------------
Richard Buck
(914) 391-3375
76warrior85@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ribuck/

MariaTeresa Ortiz ⋅ Hollywood, FL Citi ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Michael, I understand how you may feel. Phone interviews can be so awkward. But you can definitely feel better by having someone to practice interviews over the phone. Ask friends to interview you over the phone or maybe some of us at ACP could schedule a "practice" phone interview.
Hope this helps!
Regards