Ace Your Next Phone Interview With These Tips

Not all employers conduct in-person interviews for every position. Some hiring managers prefer to have phone interviews to narrow down the applicant pool and identify the best two or three candidates for a job. If you are scheduled for a phone interview, you need to take it just as seriously as any other interview. Follow these tips to impress the interviewer and make it to the next round of job interviews.

1. Stand

Just because the interviewer can't see you doesn't mean you should sit slumped over your laptop during a phone interview. Standing up straight makes you sound more confident and helps your voice project loud and clear during the call.

2. Smile

Phone interviews level the playing field because the hiring manager can't shake your hand or see your attire. Your voice is one of the few tools you have to broadcast your confidence during the process. Smile while you are speaking so everything you say comes across in a positive manner.

3. Dress the Part

It's difficult to feel confident when you are wearing sweatpants and a ripped T-shirt. Dress for phone interviews the same way you would for an actual, in-person interview.

4. Prepare Ahead of Time

Don't participate in phone interviews without practicing your answers to common interview questions. The interviewer may ask you why you are leaving your current company or what influenced you to apply for this particular job. Take time to prepare your own questions about the job duties or company culture.

5. Eliminate Distractions

Give the interview the attention it deserves by preparing the call environment in advance. If you have young kids at home, ask a friend or family member to babysit for a few hours. Instead of letting your dog bark his head off while you are on the phone, make arrangements for him to stay at your local kennel for the afternoon.

6. Listen Carefully

During phone interviews, what you don't say is just as important as the words that come out of your mouth. Listen intently when the interviewer talks about job duties or your expected role in the organization. Take notes so you have the information available during subsequent job interviews with the same company.

7. Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer about the next step in the hiring process. You may be afraid to speak up, but you shouldn't be. It's perfectly normal for a candidate to inquire about the time line for hiring a new employee. If you're feeling bold, ask the hiring manager for an appointment to meet face to face.

Phone interviews have many benefits, such as eliminating the need for costly business travel, but there are also some disadvantages. Counter these drawbacks by standing up straight, dressing for success and impressing the recruiter with your ability to listen as well as you speak.

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net