10 Phone Interview Tips

For many companies the phone interview is just one step of the interview process, and these 10 phone interview tips will help you through the process. Phone interviews have become quite popular and are a time-saving measure for management. It is also an easy way to screen candidates and create a pool of serious contenders for a position.

1. Confirmation the details of the interview. Confirm the date and time of the interview as well as the name of the person who will be calling you. Make a note of this information, and be ready at least fifteen minutes beforehand. 
2. Use a phone that is in a quiet location. There should be no interruptions during the phone interview even if the call goes longer than anticipated. The interviewer will be able to hear things that may be going on in the background like a baby crying or a television.
3. A land line phone is better than a cordless phone. Most land line telephones provide better volume control and have less static. If you must use a cordless phone or cell phone, make sure that it is completely charged before the interview.
4. Record a voice mail message that is professional. Remove any cute or obnoxious voice mail messages that may be tied to the number that the interviewer will be calling. If the interviewer calls early and you are not there to answer, your voice mail should reflect your professionalism.   
5. Use your resume as a reference tool. Glance at your resume during the interview to help you answer questions related to past experiences and education.
6. List all questions that you want answered during the interview. Prior to the interview, list questions that you want answered during the interview. As the phone interview progresses, cross off the questions that have been answered. Before the end of the interview, ask the questions that remain on the list.
7. Your tone of voice should be upbeat. Smiling will be reflected in the tone of your voice. Keep a grin on your face to sound friendly, confident, and professional.
8. Be aware of your manner of speech. Most people are more casual in nature when they talk on the phone. The disadvantage to phone interviews is the fact that the interviewer cannot see your professionalism through your body language. Instead, you must show your professionalism through your choices of words and tone of voice.
9. Write down important information during the phone interview. You may want to write down the answers to your questions or other pertinent information that the interviewer shares about the position. 
10. Determine when they want to fill the position. If the information is not offered, ask if there will be another interview or when they plan to make a final decision about the position. You do not want to be pushy, but you have a right to know what the process will be and a timeframe.