Phone Interview Help

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2012

Some general phone interview tips:

Prepare like you are going to be meeting in person. Dress up. Stand, or sit in a straight backed chair at a table or desk. It will make you feel more professional and thus will make you sound more professional. Don't lounge on the couch or wear your pajamas, even if no one can see you. Dress the part.

Keep your resume, notes, paperwork, and list of questions in front of you to refer to. If there are important parts of your experience, skills, etc. that you want to mention, make sure you have a list prepared to remind you. But don't read from the paper. The difference between speech and reading aloud is obvious on the phone.

When you are introduced to the interviewer, write down their name immediately (Do this with every person on the phone). It helps avoid any embarrassment from forgetting their name later. You can use their name in the conversation to make it feel more personal. You can mention their name when you send your thank you note.

Finally, speak slowly and clearly. Don't shout, but speak at a good volume. You don't want to the interviewer to have to ask you to repeat yourself or speak up. Pause before answering, but don't pause for too long. You don't want to the interviewer to think you aren't paying attention or that you lost the call. Instead, respond to the question with a statement like, "That's a good question." or restate the question. Then pause to quickly gather your thoughts and respond.

Don't get up and walk around during the interview. Turn off the TV, radio, etc. and avoid any background noise. Have the interview in a private area where people won't be walking in and out and you won't be distracted or interrupted.

Finally, use a landline phone if possible. You'll likely get better sound quality and you know the call won't be dropped. If you have to use a cell phone, make sure you have the interview in a place with excellent reception. Again, avoid moving around so there is no interruption in reception or chance the call will be dropped. Don't use the speaker phone setting, as it often creates an echoing or distant sound.

That's all the advice I can think of! Be confident. Sell yourself. Good luck!