phone interview - tips?

[vengeance]

I have a phone interview Monday for an ER job. I have been a paramedic for 20+ years and graduated in August with a MSN. I am relocating to another state for a career change. I have 2 other in person interviews later in the week.

Any tips for phone interview as opposed to in person?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

1. Be in a room by yourself with the door closed. This prevents any distractions such as other people in the house or pets taking your attention away from the interviewer. Can also help cut down on ambient noise.

2. If you have one, use a landline. In many places, the quality of sound will be much better than a cell phone. Speaking of tell phones, if you do use a landline, leave the cell phone somewhere else so that if it rings it won't be heard by the interviewer.

3. Even thgh the other person can't see you, go ahead and act like you would in a face to face interview: facial expressions, non-verbal cues, gestures. It can actually affect the way you come across in verbal ways- doesn't the voice of a person with a smile on their face just sound better than the voice of a person with a scowl?

[Brenda F. Johnson, MSN]

I recently did a phone interview, back in April when I was moving from Florida to Tennessee. It is not easy for either person because there is no face to face. It is possible to convey enthusiasm in your voice, as well as confidence which is important. As the previous post said, do the interviews in a quiet room with no other distractions so you can give your full attention to the caller. Try not to "um" a lot ( I do that unconsciously). Do not be afraid to laugh if the conversation goes that way. Answer their questions honestly, don't stretch the truth because it will come back to bite you. I wrote an article about moving and finding a job long distance called "Capture your heart's desire". Good luck!

[vengeance]

Phone interview went well. Invited me for tour of ER and shadowing. Then got another call for an interview at another ER