Career Guides >> Browse Articles >> Advice and Options
5 Interview Types and How to Ace Them
Tania Khadder
5. The Phone Interview
What Is It?
For some, there is nothing more terrifying than an over-the-phone job interview. Unfortunately, they’re used more and more as a way to screen a large pool of candidates before deciding who to invite for an in-person meeting.
Phone interviews can be set up in advance, but they can also be completely spontaneous. At any point while you are job searching, a recruiter can call you up for a quick chat. But be forewarned – this quick chat is anything but. It may feel informal, but it’s still an interview.
How to Ace It
First thing’s first — always be prepared! Since the phone interview can come at any time, have your desk set up accordingly. Tape up your resume and some bullet points of your accomplishments for quick reference. Have a pen and paper handy at all times. And if, as it turns out, the timing is bad or your location less than ideal, don’t be afraid to say so and reschedule. The last thing you want is to try and talk over a crying baby or while navigating through traffic.
If you’re lucky enough to have fair warning, it’s a good idea to get dressed for the interview – nothing will make you feel less professional than taking questions in your Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pajamas.
And remember, unlike an in-person interview, you can’t rely on body language to help carry your message or express enthusiasm. One way to overcome this is to stand up while you’re on the phone. Everyone speaks more confidently and clearly when they are standing. And smile. It sounds crazy, but people on the other end canhear you smiling.
Finally, don’t let a pause or awkward silence throw you off. They’re a natural part of conversation, albeit more noticeable over the phone. Your interviewer is probably just taking notes or preparing their next question. Don’t feel the need to fill the silence with a nervous giggle or pointless comment. If you are finished with your answer, wait patiently for the interviewer to pick up the conversation.
NewFootballShirts
over 2 years ago
2 comments
These are clever tips for interviewees. It would also make a good impression for the interview if you are confident at all times. Never ever make up an answer just to impress. Remember they are trained to know if you're telling the truth or not. http://www.topfootballshirts.co.uk
jameshammond85
almost 3 years ago
22 comments
i have used my iPhone 4 white for quite a few phone interviews, i use an app which gives a slightly clearer loud speaker
sophiaallen5
almost 3 years ago
58 comments
Have you heard of Group interview.Group interviews are conducted by some large companies for graduates who are all interviewed at one time. They may give some exercises to solve in a group and observes how the candidates react with other people.
halfords opening times
mgilman
almost 3 years ago
24 comments
This is very appropriate for our tough economic times. A must read for anyone looking to become gainfully employed.
mgilman
almost 3 years ago
24 comments
Great article, I have used most of the suggestions in orientations that I provide while conducting training sessions. I work with a not for profit that collaborates around work force development.
kittie
about 3 years ago
2 comments
Excellent guide. I've already aced a few interviews. Now its just a waiting game. Next...
greenvr58
about 3 years ago
2 comments
This article was a great one, it helps to be prepared when interviewing whether over the phone or in person
MorelCS
about 3 years ago
24 comments
The phone interview is scheduled at the convenience of the employer and do not be surprised if you are called an hour to two hours early or later than the scheduled time. I am sure this is a tactic to see how you can handle events not occuring as scheduled and unexpected.
brittania
about 3 years ago
2 comments
Great article. I will be applying the information in my next interview.
willboywonder
about 3 years ago
12 comments
These are great. One note to disagree with the author about the phone interview: just because the call can come at anytime doesn't mean that the interview has to happen at anytime. I have had a couple of phone interverviews that were pre-arranged. The interviewer (or his/her sercretary) called me to schedule the phone interview just as they might have scheduled the face to face interview. Even if they aren't calling to schedule it, request it. There's no harm in that. If you're a viable candidate, rather than them just going through the motions to satisfy HR rules, then asking for a more convenient time for the phone interview wiill be in your best interest. If you go through with it at a bad time, your mind may not be as sharp and your performance during the interview may be less than stellar.
vmmckane
over 3 years ago
4 comments
vic
jyl
over 3 years ago
8 comments
Excellent Recommendation to ACE the interviews. Thanks.
Account Removed
over 3 years ago
Thank you, for the article. It definitely helps to prepare for an interview.
jyl
over 3 years ago
8 comments
Great Job