Phone interviews: how to impress when you’re not face to face
Gabrielle Fanelli, Staff Writer
Increasingly, employers are now using a phone interview before an actual face-to-face interview to effectively fill positions. It seems like a phone interview could be less stressful, unless your phone is on silent and you miss the call. Phone interviews do not require you to dress up, smell good or even brush your teeth. Phone interviews do, however, limit your chance to show who you really are. The only tools you have available to impress over the phone are your word choice and the tone of your voice.
So how does one have a successful phone interview? Here are a few pointers from three different business owners.
“Stand up, Smile, Sound positive”
Anthony Fanelli, owner of Eggs Up Grill, says, “ I always do phone interviews before face-to-face. Some people sound lazy and tired, which is never a good quality. I would say to stand up and sound as excited as possible about being interviewed.”
“Have a copy of your resume”
Rick Wojan, National Accounts Manager at PTP, says, “ Always be ready to discuss your resume. Typically employers will already have a copy in front of them if you have applied. They will want you to go through it with them and answer questions.”
“Research the company”
Denise Campbell, Administrative Director at Bon Secours St. Francis, says, “Questions will be asked to see how much you want the position. If you know a history about the company and basics about what their mission is, the interviewer will know you actually care and that you will put effort out.”
“Find a quiet place”
The last thing you want it to be interviewed near your friends or a crying baby. Plan ahead of time and find a quiet place with good cell phone service where you can clearly hear the employer. To read about an excellent yet humorous advice column about finding a quiet place, click here.
