Are you ready for your next phone interview?

Phone interviews are usually the first step in the interview process.  It's always my first step (besides evaluating the resume) in selecting a candidate to present to my clients as a recruiter.  If you want a chance to get your smiling face, winning personality, and 30/60/90-day plan in front of the hiring manager, you better do the phone interview very well. 

There's a great post by Bethany Stringer at brand-yourself.com:  Avoid these 9 common phone interview blunders with such a good additional comment from Trace Cohen I decided to put it all together here for you (with a twist, so go read the original, too): 

1.  Speak smoothly.  Practice your answers so that you don't stammer, or use fillers that detract from your message (and they will).  Uncertainty is bad enough in a face-to-face interview--it really stands out on the phone when all they have to concentrate on is your voice.

2.  Explain your answer.  Answer questions with more than a "yes" or "no."  It keeps the conversation going, and allows you to give the interviewer relevant details that go a long way toward selling you as the best candidate.

3.  Be clear and to the point.  Explain your answer, but don't talk forever.  One extreme is just as bad as another.

4.  Keep a few things to yourself.  For instance, now is not the time to discuss salary requirements, or talk about why you hated your last sales manager. 

5.  Be alert.  Get enough rest, have your Wheaties, and be mentally/physically prepared for this interview.  It's just as important as a face-to-face. 

6.  Project enthusiasm.  Use your voice (since that's all you've got here) to let the interviewer know how much you want this job.  No need to sound like a motivational speaker, just be positive.  Smile while you're talking.  It improves the conversation, and makes you appear more confident.

7.  Be prepared.  Do your homework, have your resume in front of you, write down a list of questions to ask, and make sure you're in a place where you can turn all your energy to this interview.  They can't see you check your notes, so use every advantage you can.

8.  Be calm.  Find a quiet spot where you can relax and focus to do the interview.  If you're surrounded by talking people, move.  If you're running late for another appointment, offer to call back and set a time.  It's much better to call back at a better time than to accept an interview that will go badly because of whatever chaos is going on right then.

9.  Thank the interviewer.  You would never leave a face-to-face interview without closing the interview, or at least winding down with a "thank you for your time" and "I'm very interested in talking with you again about this opportunity."   Be polite, and leave a good impression with the interviewer. 

10.  Stand up.  (from Trace)  Standing up while you're talking makes it easier for you to project energy and enthusiasm.  It will come through to the hiring manager (or recruiter). 

Need more help with preparing for a phone interview?  Click here.

If you'd like an objective, expert evaluation of your phone interview style, consider custom consulting.  It's an investment in yourself that will pay off in more job offers.

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