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Conquering the Phone Interview             February 1, 2010

The first time that I had to do a telephone interview for a job I was pretty reluctant... not just reluctant but the thought scared the crap out of me!  Working in the creative industry I always thought that I'd be able to woo my way to a job by letting my creative work speak for itself through my portfolio.  But when asked by a potential Employer to set up a time for them to conduct a phone interview; I immediately thought, "I'm screwed!"  Needless to say, after doing the interview I actually felt really good about myself and how the conversation went.  So, I've put together some tips to help other first-timers master a telephone interview.

Before the telephone Interview: 

Learn about the company.  One thing that the Interviewer is sure to ask is what do you already know about their company; so be prepared to give a thoughtful answer.  

Make a list of your strengths & weaknesses.  When making this list be completely honest with yourself.  Sure, it's easy to talk about our strengths... but what about our weaknesses?  Be truthful with yourself and the Interviewer about what your faults are; everyone has faults and your potential employer will be appreciative for you being honest in sharing them with him/her.  

Make a list of questions that might come up & answer them before-hand.  Based on what job you are going for make a list of anticipated questions that the interviewer may ask- answer them, and review your answers as much as possible.  Some examples of questions that may be asked are:  

• Why are you interested in working for us?  
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?  
• Tell us about your last job.  
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

Compose a list of questions to ask.  At the end of the interview you will always be given a chance to ask questions.  Make a list of things you'd like to know about the company that aren't covered on their website or during the course of the interview. 

During the Interview:

Be in a quiet place.  Make sure you are in a quiet place with no distractions like television, radio, or roommates.   

Make it a conversation.  Try your best to make the interview more like a conversation, rather than a question and answer deal.  Doing this will make you feel more comfortable and give you a chance to guide the conversation opposed to feeling like you are being interrogated.

Take your time.  Just because the interview is being conducted over the phone does not mean you need to rush it.  Take your time when answering questions, think before you speak, and articulate! 

After the Interview:

Send a Thank You card!  Sure, sending a quick email is sufficient, but do you really just want to be thought of as "sufficient" in this economy?  Take the time to buy, or better yet, design a really nice Thank You note.  This will leave a more lasting and tangible impression on the Interviewer opposed to a cold and impersonal email!

Relax.  The hard part is over, relax and congratulate yourself on rockin' your first phone interview! 

Written by Dominique Wilmore  |  Get on the Id.interns Mailing List!

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