Phony Business: 5 Tips to Ace Your Phone Interview

Phony Business: 5 Tips to Ace Your Phone Interview

The infinite faith I have in people’s ability to understand anything that makes sense has always been justified, finally, by their behavior.
-Alice Walker

I have a confession.

Phone interviews are my preferred way to interview- as both an interviewer and a candidate.

Crazy, right?

While most people prefer having the ability to connect in person and really selling themselves for a position through their sharp suits, great posture, and brilliant smiles; I prefer building my credibility over the phone.

Yes, phone interviews can feel daunting given the lack of in-person contact, but phone interviews can also provide both interviewers and candidates with an opportunity to connect in a low calorie setting that saves money, time, and in some cases energy for all parties involved. Of course phone interviews are prone to having a few awkward moments as communication cues are sometimes missed and pregnant pauses prevail as the interviewer types notes, however, once you get past the logistics – phone interviews can be absolutely wonderful.

Here are some tips for making it through a phone interview:

1. When Possible Take Phone Interviews On A Landline

No one likes playing a game of “can you hear me now” while they’re trying to assess your professional qualifications. Also try to take your call in a quiet/sound proof area.

2. Keep The Organization's Website Up During Your Interview

You can use this as a quick point of reference during the call, especially if you are asked questions about an organization’s mission, vision, goals, core values, etc.

3. Keep The Job Description And Any Supporting Materials In Front Of You

Again this is your opportunity to have quick points of reference throughout your conversation.

4. Keep A List Of Bullets In Front Of You Of The Things That You Want To Highlight About Yourself

For me…this list is clutch! Keeping bullets of information that you want to make sure you share about your professional experience will ensure that you’re painting an accurate picture of yourself. Bullets will also help with your rate of speech if you’re a speed talker like me.

5. Dress Up From The Waist Up

If your interview is via video you will still want to look the part of a professional- from the waist up (at least).

This post was originally run on popular lifestyle website I Don't Do Clubs.

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About Suezette Yasmin Robotham, M.S.

Suezette’s professional background includes work in and with large urban school districts’ administrative offices (Atlanta Public Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools) and with education reform organizations Teach For America, The New Teacher Project, and The Achievement Network. With nearly a decade of leadership experience, Suezette’s key strengths include talent acquisition, leadership development, strategic planning, and relationship building. An alumnus of the University of Florida and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, Suezette currently lives, works, and plays in New York City. Find her @gohigherandhire on all social channels and at www.gohigherandhire.com.

Dave Rider

City Operations for Point Dedicated Services

9y

Nice article. I'm glad to see I've been following most of these. With phone interviews, it has forced me to improve upon some of my weaker traits (listening, for example).

Cheryl Lichen-Hooper

Real Estate Consultant Specializing in Residential & New Home Sales, Investment Opportunities, Buyer Sales

9y

Phone interviews are definitely a way to sort of dip into the pool of the new job setting rather than dive in head first. When having a phone interview, you tend to have the upper hand. You are able to actively research the company, and you do not have to deal with the added stresses from being face to face with your interviewer. That being said, phone interviews should be painless! Minus the awkward silences in between missed verbal queues. Also I highly agree that if you are having a video interview, you should dress to impress anyways. What a great read, thank you!

These are some great points.

Farman Ullah

HSE Manager|ASP|CSP|NEBOSH IGC|LA|PSM|GHG| Sustainability

9y

good tips

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