Most job applicants don’t realize the importance of the phone interview. You should always prepare as much for the phone interview as you do for a face-to-face meeting as there is no second chance.

We’ve put together the following list to help you succeed to continue in the interview process and getting the offer:

1. When scheduling the phone interview with the perspective employer, make sure you allow yourself sufficient time to complete the interview without being rushed. In the initial scheduling call, ask approximately how much time you should allot for the call and block out at least an additional 30 minutes.
2. Always take the call in a secluded place – - away from distractions. Nothing is worse than to have children fighting in the background and dogs barking. It not only makes you sound unprofessional but it also may cause you angst. If you are the primary care provider, see if you can’t find a relative, friend, or neighbor who can watch the children at their home during this time. Just because the baby normally naps from 1:00 to 3:00, that day they may choose otherwise.
3. Be ready for the interview at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled call. Some psychiatrists even suggest that you dress as if you were actually meeting the person. It will make you feel more professional and you will come across as being professional.
4. Have your resume, company research and other critical data laid out in front of you. You may also want to have a pad of paper and pen to jot down quick notes during the interview.
5. If you have call waiting, you may want to have this feature blocked during the interview so your call is not interrupted. While the caller may not hear the interruption, it might cause you to lose focus.
6. Don’t talk too much or too little. Answer the questions in a concise manner using complete sentences and proper English – - not just “yes” or “no” answers.
7. Ask at least one or two thought provoking questions and after hearing the response, try to relate your education or experience in the rebuttal.
8. Avoid asking questions regarding compensation and benefits.
9. Before ending the call, you may want to summarize your conversation, hitting one or two of the employer’s hot buttons by linking your skills to solving specific workplace problems that you learned in the interview.
10. Always follow up the phone interview with a well written thank-you note expressing interest in the opportunity to speak further. Watch for more about Thank You Notes in an upcoming blog.

Hopefully if you handled the Phone Interview well, you will be offered the opportunity for a face-to-face interview which we will be covering in our next blog.