How to Handle Phone Interviews

Hiring managers and search committees are sometimes so pressed for time that they now conduct their preliminary interviews over the phone. It’s not unusual to be invited to a phone meeting including several members of a search committee who will interview you together, much like an interview in person. Typically, these meetings are arranged in advance, and you will know when it will occur, and who will be present.

It’s best to be prepared for this interview, since it will likely determine if you will be invited in for an in-person interview as well.

Long ago, I applied for a local IT job. Sent in my resume and cover letter and waited. Several days later, the phone rang after dinner.  It was someone from the organization I’d applied to and I expected him to offer me a date and time for an interview. He didn’t. I soon realized he was interviewing me over the phone! That wasn’t a common practice at the time and I was shocked!

I regained my composure and asked for a minute to get my folder so we could both be looking at the same materials. That worked just fine, we chatted for a while, and some time after that I was invited for an in-person interview. Ultimately I was offered the job, but declined, knowing it wouldn’t be a good fit for me.

Since then, in any job search workshops I deliver, I suggest these six strategies for phone interviews:

• Keep a separate folder for each job you apply for. Include a copy of your resume and the specific cover letter you included when you applied. Include any other relevant materials such as the job posting or the online or newspaper ad.
• Practice interviewing on the phone with a friend or a coach to determine both your telephone strengths and your challenges. Do you say “um” or “you know” or something else too often? Is your voice at an appropriate level? And so on….
• Stand up for your phone interview. This gives you more energy, strength, and animation. You will sound more excited about the possibility of working for this company and for these people. Your voice will sound more professional!
• Use something as a lectern as you speak. The kitchen counter may be perfect, or an ironing board, or something that will let you stand up and see your notes at the same time.
• Go “around the table” and ask what role each person on the call has within the organization. Try to sort out their voices, so you will know who is asking which questions as they interview you. Use their names in your responses, both for their sakes, and for your own, so you can remember later who asked you what.
• Take notes as you go along, if possible, but not if it distracts you from the conversation and the interview. If not during the interview, then jot down highlights after the call is over, and place those notes in your folder for later reference.

Tell us about any phone interviews you’ve had, and what you may have learned as a result!