Maybe it's just me, but phone interviews are so awkward. My theory is this: 70 percent of communication is nonverbal so phone conversations cut out a good chunk of how we connect with the person on the other end of the line, employers included. Things like facial expressions and body language are lost, but here are some tips to overcome the awkwardness in your phone interview and make a great impression.
Treat it like an in-person interview
You don't have to suit up but you don't want to just roll out of bed for the call. I do everything I would do for an in-person interview. For phone interviews, it's all about boosting your confidence for the interview. When you look good and feel good, you're more confident and employers can actually pick this up over the phone.
Go somewhere quiet
Find a place where you won't be interrupted or distracted. I did a phone interview one time in my car on a quiet side street. Also, you may want to bring along a glass or bottle of water. I don't know about you, but I get cottonmouth when I get nervous.
Go somewhere with good reception
Can you hear me now? Hello? These are not the questions you want to be asking an employer. Losing reception in the middle of a phone interview is the worst. I was thankful that I had the employer's number saved in my phone when this happened. Use a landline if you've got one. If not, find a spot with sweet reception and stay put until the interview is over, and make sure your cell phone is properly charged.
Bring cheat sheets
This should include an outline of what you would like to communicate about yourself to the employer, your resume with notes on points that you would like to highlight and blank paper on which you can take notes during the interview. It may even be a good idea to bring notes about the employer and the position description so you can refer to them. Also, bring questions you would like to ask the employer.
Remember to smile
They can't see it but people can tell when someone is smiling while they are talking over the phone. It is important to leverage everything you can since you are losing a lot of other avenues of nonverbal communication.
Finally, remember to relax because typically jobs are not won over phone interviews. So breathe deep and be yourself. Good luck!
About Justin Ihara
I agree with all your suggestions. Also remember that if you are caught off guard with a call back, it’s ok to say you are walking into an appointment and schedule another time later in the day!