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Phone Job Interview Tips

by Chris Yokum

Overview

Job interviews are one of the most common ways of searching for the right sort of employee for an existing company. Interviewers attempt to find out about a potential candidate's strong points, work history, relationship with past bosses and other key factors that involve current duties. Phone interviews work the same way, except it's not face to face.

Make it show through the phone.
Be Prepared

Discover information about the company before a scheduled interview. Learn about the requirements expected from employees by discovering the company's mission statement. Find out about the types of customers it has and where the central office is located, and talk to past or present employees. Know the details beforehand and show a genuine interest in the potential position.

Practice

Create a short list of possible questions the phone interviewer may ask. Some common questions include how to handle certain situations and what positive or negative qualities you possess. Ask a friend or family member to play the part of the interviewer. After a few sessions, allow them to critique the practice session and offer some helpful pointers.
Remain Professional

Make a good impression during the phone interview. Gum chewing, eating and drinking are unprofessional ways of behaving while talking to a potential employer. Speak in a calm manner and display confidence when discussing the benefits of being hired. Ask questions about the duties, training period and any other important job-related questions. Thank the interviewer for her time and close the session politely.
Smile Through Your Voice

Speak pleasantly when responding to the interviewer's questions. Display a positive tone through your voice that shows enthusiasm in every answer. Projecting a cheerful disposition over the phone shows the interviewer that customers will also receive the same type of treatment. Most companies want employees that are happy to perform their work duties.
Eliminate Distractions

Conduct the interview in an extremely quiet location away from others. The best location to do so is a room with a door that has a lock on it. Close the door for privacy and lock it to prevent anyone from entering during the scheduled interview time. Advise friends and family members to stay away and avoid an embarrassing noise situation. Music, barking dogs and television noises are distractions that make it harder to focus on the situation.