Acing the phone interview (part 2)

March 30, 8:43 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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To save time and money, phone interviews are almost always the first point of contact between you and your potential employer. This is an important step for you, as the candidate, because it determines whether or not you will be invited into the office to interview. So, what can you do to help ace the phone interview?

1. Have your résumé and portfolio in front of you. You have them with you during in-person interviews, why wouldn’t you during a phone interview? Assume the hiring manager interviewing you has a copy of everything you sent with your job application, as well as any online samples to which you directed him or her. Be sure you have the same items in front of you for easy reference.

2. If possible, use a landline phone. I know I’m one to break this rule because I only have a cell phone, but if possible, find a landline on which to conduct the interview. This way, your call won’t be dropped, and both parties will be able to understand each other clearly.

3. Make sure you’re in a quiet environment. If possible, take the call in your room with the door closed to avoid any background noise. Again, you want to make sure the hiring manager hears you clearly and is not distracted by what is going on in the background. (You don’t want to be distracted either!)

4. Ask good questions. Just because this is a “phone screen” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask good questions. Make a list before the interview of what you intend to ask, again to keep you on track. Be sure the questions are appropriate to the individual with whom you’re speaking. (You would likely ask the director of human resources different questions than your potential supervisor.) Among your questions should be: What is the next step in the hiring process, and when and how should I follow-up?

5. Send a thank you note. Always—I repeat, always—send a thank you note at every stage of the hiring process, to every individual with whom you speak or meet. As usual, send an e-mail thank you within 24 hours and for that added touch, also send a shorter, handwritten thank you note via snail mail.

<-- Part 1