Suggestions/ Tips for a phone interview. (Techniques and Manners).
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The phone interview is your opportunity to make a good impression and to gain a face-to-face meeting. Most companies treat phone screens as the official first round of the hiring process.

Mainly, a phone interview can be much harder than anticipated, considering that you can’t see the interviewer, you can’t see his expressions and vice versa.

But don’t worry, as long you can use these two assets, you will pass the phone interview and create a good impression for a phone screen– Your Attitude, Your Voice. Always, treat the phone interview with the same seriousness and preparation just as you would for a regular in-person interview and make it a great one by being super-polite and professional. Remember, this could be the first step that will land you to the next interview round.

There are two types of phone interviews:

  1. An informal phone interview: When the employer/ recruiter starts the phone interview process without warning, to discuss the job opportunity with a prospective employee and to determine if the candidate meets the qualifications of the position.
  2. A formal phone interview: when the employer/ recruiter calls to arrange a time for a phone interview with the candidate. This type of phone interview often occurs when a candidate does not live in the same city.

Phone interview techniques and manners

  1. Create a comfortable environment and make sure to have a quiet space to talk with no distractions.
  2. Reschedule if you have to; if the time isn’t convenient, politely ask if you could talk at another time.
  3. Listen carefully to the interviewer and don’t start speaking until the interviewer finishes the question. It’s rude to interrupt while someone else is speaking.
  4. Be prepared to take notes. Have a pen and paper for note-taking and if you have something you want to say, write it down on your paper and mention it when it’s your turn to talk.
  5. Make sure to refer to the interviewer as Mr. or Ms. until told otherwise.
  6. Never chew gum, eat, drink or smoke during the phone interview – The interviewer can always hear it, and it’s insulting.
  7. Take your time when you respond. It’s acceptable to take a moment to collect your thoughts.
  8. Give short answers; speak slowly, carefully, and clearly. Be sure to listen to the question. If you’re not sure what the interviewer is asking, ask for clarification.
  9. Smile when you talk on the phone. You’ll sound more confident and assertive. A simple smile can put a great impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of getting another interview. Just make sure that the interviewer ‘hear your smile’ in your voice.  
  10. At the end of the conversation, make sure to say thank you to the interviewer. If you don’t have their email address, ask for it. Sending out an email thank you note is a way to provide information regarding your qualifications that you didn’t get a chance to mention during the phone interview and make you stand out from the other candidates.