Do’s and Don’ts in Phone Interviewing

[alibhai]

Do's
1. Assure yourself that household members understand what a phone interview is and the significance that it holds.
2. The information that you give in your cover letter must be very clear in order for the interviewers to easily find your contact information.
3. Prepare yourself before the interview: you should have some knowledge about the job you applied for.
4. Practice before the interview: ask one of your friends to call you and act as if he is the interviewer.
5. Before the interview, make sure that your telephone is working properly. You need to hear and be heard clearly.
6. It may happen that you do not have enough time for the phone interview. In this case, suggest the recruiter to reschedule. It's better than hasting the interview.
7. Dress nicely for the phone interview even though the interviewer does not see you. It will project a more professional image for you.
8. Assure yourself that you are in a place where you can focus your attention on the interview, read and take notes. An outline of the interview and your resume should be in front of you at all times in order to remember key points that you need to touch, experiences and achievements.
9. Between relaxing in an easy chair and standing during your phone interview you should definitely choose standing; you'll sound much more competent.
10. The finish of the phone interview is vital, considering that it consists in the last impression that the interviewer will have regarding you. The phone interview should end with some of your pertinent questions.


Don'ts
1. First and foremost, avoid having a ridiculous, boring or long greeting on your voicemail or answering machine.
2. Do not panic if you have some special needs. Phone interviews are still possible even though you are, let's say, hearing impaired.
3. During the interview, avoid eating, drinking or chewing gum.
4. Avoid coughing, sneezing or snuffling. If you simply cannot prevent the situation, just say "excuse me".
5. As in any other discussion there might be moments of silence. Do not try to fill in airtime with non-related topics. If the interviewer has put you a question and you have completed your response then you can continue by asking questions which relate to your last response.