Phone Interview Etiquette

Phone Interview Etiquette

by  on August 9, 2013
It’s just a phone interview, so relax, tell your friends not to leave, put your feet up, and get out a bag of chips while you are at it…OR NOT. These would all be great if you want to set yourself up for FAILURE. You want to prepare for the interview and treat it with the professionalism you strive to exhibit in a face-to-face interview. I’ve been on conference calls where I can hear others eating, talking, blowing their nose, or other background noise…there is nothing more distracting and in an interview, it is a reflection of your professionalism and could make employers believe that you are really not that interested in the job. Here are a few tips for phone interview etiquette:
  • If it is not scheduled ahead of time and you are not place where you could or should take the call (e.g., at work or class, driving, or out with friends), let it go to voicemail and call back
  • Practice for the interview as you would (or should) for a face-to-face interview
  • They will probably be looking at your resume, so have a copy of your resume in front of you and be prepared to discuss and elaborate
  • Make sure you are in a quiet location, so you can give those on the other end your full attention
  • If you can use a landline phone, do so; cell phones often pick up static or other noises
  • Do not put them on speaker if you can avoid it because this will also pick up background noises
  • Turn off call waiting
  • Be on time or early
  • Have a cheat sheet or notes, but do not read your responses
  • Speak slowly
  • Answer the question, but do not over talk
  • Listen carefully and take notes
  • Avoid chewing gum, eating, or smoking
  • Smile, so you sound more friendly
  • Dress up, so you feel more confident
  • Do not put them on hold to do something else
  • Follow-up with a thank-you note or email




Sources and Additional Resources:
*Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers).

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