Phone Interviews
If an employer calls you and asks for an immediate phone interview, you might be thrown for a loop. Rather than attempting to present your best self in a state where you have been taken off-guard, simply state that right now is not a convenient time, and plan a time where you will be prepared. If you feel prepared and would like to do the interview immediately, you can still ask for a minute to get yourself arranged.
When you have your prearranged phone interview, prepare as if you were preparing for a regular interview: review possible questions, research the company, and create a small file. One of the benefits of phone interviews is that you can have some answers already at your fingertips. Writing some notes and then referring to your ‘script’ during a phone interview is perfectly acceptable and make help ease your nerves. Don’t assume that you can plan for all of the questions, however.
You will want to be in a good place for a phone interview: you will want to have a quiet environment, free from phones ringing, background noise including pets and kids.
Phone interviews are conducted to save time, so keep your answers concise but informative. Avoid nervous “ums” and “ers.” Relax, and act naturally. Being prepared for the interview will help you on the way to achieving your new job.
