12 Easy Steps to Successful Job Interview over the Phone

By Collins Onyango

As a means of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment it is uncommon for some employers to use telephone interviews. Phone interviews are often used to screen potential new hires, narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews and minimize the expenses in selecting out-of-town will be employees.

It is therefore important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice because you never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

For many job applicants, the sound of the phone ringing is not a good thing, particularly when you hear “I’m calling regarding your recent job application” as this usually means a rejection. However, there are a number of ways that you can bring your A-game on phone interview stage and secure yourself a meeting with the potential employers and maybe even a full-time position. Remember, do not leave your interview to chance – prepare now for success!

I hope these steps will guide you through successfull telephone interview. 

Step 1: Always be prepared. 

If you’re on a serious job hunt, it is possible you’ll receive an unexpected interview call. If the call comes out of the blue, don’t be scared to ask if you’ll need to call back. This gives you ample time to research about the organization, research the person, and make sure you’re at a suitable location for the call. You may also use this time to practice a list of responses to typical phone interview questions. In addition, have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer and get ready to discuss the role you will play if hired.

Step 2: Confirm and Choose an Interview Space

Confirm all the details including the date, time and who you will be talking to. Select a quiet, private and comfortable space. Send out kids, spouses, parents, pets and significant others and close the door if chosen venue is at home. Then have your resume taped in clear view in front wall or on your desk.

Step 3. Have your application Close to hand

First impressions count and this can imply lack of organizational skills. As in the case with face to face interview, questions will built around your application. Having a physical copy of your resume and the job description may help avoid potentially embarrassing situations such as leaving the employer on the line as you run to try and find it. Also, have a pad and pen ready to make notes and be sure to use a landline, not a cell phone whenever possible. You don't want to have to worry about dropped calls.

Step 4: Disable extra phone features

To avoid distractions and embarrassments that could sabotage your chances of moving the interview process forward, turn off all your phone accessories. 
Most phone accessories can be disabled and re-activated on a self-service basis. Be sure you know whether the interviewer is calling you or if you need to initiate the call.

Step 5. Have Web access

Take advantage of the fact that the interviewer can’t see you. Open up the company’s website window in your browser and have another to the search engine of your choice. But be sure to never let the interviewer hear you typing. Invest in a quiet keyboard or practice the art of silent typing.

Step 6: Listen, focus and enunciate

Ask for clarification if you did not get the question right and speak slowly, carefully, and clearly when you respond. Do not interrupt the interviewer whenever he/she is speaking. 
For good listening skills pay attention to the whole of the question before jumping in with a response to and to be able to think through a suitable response -something you cannot get away with so easily in a face-to-face interview. Using words such as “ok” or “right” at will gives the impression that you are paying attention to interviewer.

Step 7: Be professional

While you may feel comfortable during phone interview, avoid unprofessional etiquette such as eating smoking, chewing gum, eating, drinking or sipping a drink and watching television. 
Turn off the TV, leave the food in the cupboard and focus on the process and your response; as a sign of respect – something all potential employers desire. You could even hold your body in an upright position but don’t be afraid to be expressive With hand mmovements.

Step 8: Smile while on the phone

Your voice actually loses about half of its energy during transmission when speaking on the phone. Smiling therefore as you speak, brings energy and excitement to your voice. Remember, your smile will be "heard" by the interviewer can and make for a positive impression.

Step 9: Always be honest

You'll need to sound as professional as you though you were meeting the interviewer face to face during the phone interview. Honesty will be appreciated; after all, the interviewer is also human and has likely encountered a similar situation. If a major distraction occurs during the phone interview, mention it. Do not attempt to cover up something that takes you out of the moment, because it could make you look appear dishonest and inattentive.

Step 10: Respond with your name

Avoid an awkward start to the call by taking charge and answering the phone by stating your name first. This lets the interviewer know exactly who you are and saves the trouble of asking for you. It also helps to have a “pleasantry in your pocket” if you are ready to go. 
Know exactly how you will greet the caller and start the conversation. Make sure to reiterate your experience, interest in the position, and desire to continue the conversation in person.

Step 11: Avoid talking about salary

Hold off on discussing pay until the end of the process. But unless the interviewer tries to force the issue, keep your answer indirect by demanding to understand total compensation package before stating your desired salary. Keep conversation going on with phrases like, “I’m negotiable,” “I’d rather discuss compensation in person,” or “I currently make X but am looking to make Y”.

Step 12: Send a Thank You Note

Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview and ask what the next step in the process will be. Ask for the interviewer's email address and immediately send out an email thank you note for the interviewer reiterating your interest in the job regardless of how the interview was conducted.

Whether it is by phone or face-to-face make sure you’re in the best possible shape ahead of the main event –and develop your skills before the interview! Always stay calm during entire process to cope with the pressure and be on the right tracks. Good luck!

Read More

1. How to Prepare for a Phone Interview
2. Phone Interview Tips
3. Top 5 Tips for a Successful Telephone Interview
4. 17 Tips to Ace Your Next Phone Interview
5. 9 Keys to Telephone Interview Success

Colllins is also the editor nursingpages