Did you know that a phone interview is a lot more difficult than a face to face interview? With these tips from our Coopers recruiters you'll be sure to master your next phone interview perfectly.
Before the Phone Interview
Even though your interview partner cannot see you, he will be able to sense what you are doing whilst you are on the phone. Sitting on the sofa in your pyjamas would not leave a good impression on the person at the other end of the line. If your interview is in the morning we recommend setting your alarm clock and preparing yourself as if you were to leave the house. Sit at a table and lay the printouts for the interview out in front of you (job description, CV). If you want to prepare some notes for example with your strengths and weaknesses, then you can do this before the interview. It is best to stick to keywords as the listener will notice if you read full sentences. It is always a good idea to do some research about the company too. Also, ensure that the reception where you are making the call is as quiet as possible.
Additional tip: If there is no appointment for the interview and the company phones you while you are out of the house, ask them politely if it would be possible to call them back. Don't try to lead a job interview at the station, on a playground or in a supermarket.
During the Phone Interview
Speak slowly and clearly and smile as much as possible. You will come across as friendlier if you smile more. Always let your interview partner finish his sentence and take your time with your replies. It is perfectly all right to say, "That is a great question, could you give me a minute to think about it?" before you reply. Concentrate on the conversation and try not to digress. If you like you can ask questions too. At the end you can address your interview partner by name and thank him for the interview.
After the Phone Interview
As soon as you have hung up, make a note of the appointments that were discussed during the call. If you want to investigate some things further, make a note of these too. You may be able to use this information in a follow-up interview. Sending the company a thank you e-mail also leaves a great impression.
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