Phone interviews

jennyk213

I posted this on the 9 to 5 board but am hoping to get some local responses in case there are regional differences...

I got a voice mail this morning from a friend of a colleague who needs to fill a position ASAP.  I have some vague info about the job from my colleague and know that they need to hire someone by tomorrow.  I'm treating this phone call like an interview - maybe it will be the only one I get, who knows. 

Its been over 5 years since I've had a job interview and I've never had a phone interview.  Any tips?  Typical questions to expect during a phone interview?  If it matters, this would be a contract position with a city. 

I really wish I had more time to prepare.  I generally suck at job interviews.

huwehotaling

You should treat it just like a regular interview. If they want to hire someone by tomorrow this will probably be your one chance. Since they can't see your body language, be sure to smile while you talk and sit up straight like you would in person. Also, make sure that you will be in a room with no distractions while they are talking to you. I actually prefer phone interviews because I get a lot more nervous in person. Good luck!

wittyschaffy

Agree with pp!  Treat it like an in person interview.  If you're talking on a cell phone, make sure you're in a room with good reception and use whatever method you need to transmit clearly (headset, etc.).  Think about typical interview type questions in preparation (why you'd be good for that role, what your strengths are, etc.).

 

Good luck!

Sue/Mike

Agreed.  Treat it like an real interview. 

I have had a couple and find it helpful to get dressed and have my resume and the company info in front of me (I may pull up their web page). I send out a quick email to the people who normally call me asking them not to call.  Super annoying to get an incoming call during an interview!  Also, I talk with my hands - if you do, maybe grab your bluetooth or headset so you can still wave about without your phone moving.

Since you have vague info, be ready with a couple questions.  Job responsibilities,  duration (is this a contract position), etc.

They will probably ask you the same questions that a typical interview would ask, but you get to have a cheat sheet.  Take what you already know about the position and maybe list out some skills you have in each one.  Then you won't freeze up when they ask why they should bring you on.  I find that more and more interviews are asking "tell me about a time when..." type questions.

And good luck!

 

flower_lover

I've done a lot of phone interviews in the last few years, and got my current job all through phone interviews, I never met the people I would be working with in person until my first day on the job. I definitely have some tips for you:

1. They will ask the same type of questions they would in an in-person interview.

2. Phone interviews are great because they can't see you! I usually take the interview at a table, and in front of me, I have several notes spread out in front of me with typical interview questions and good answers to the questions. This is awesome because you don't have to struggle for an answer like you would in person, just look at  your notes.

3. I also put out an 8x 11 piece of paper with a big smiley face on it. Like a PP said, it makes a difference if you smile.

4. Also put a note out reminding yourself to vary the tone of your voice. You don't want to sound monotonous...talk higher, then lower at other times. It keeps them interested.

5. Practice sounding enthusiastic and energetic. It really makes a difference if you can relay your enthusiasm and energy thru your voice.

6. One last tip for both phone and in-person interview. It's fairly common for them to start with a general "tell me about yourself" question. There is a super-important way to successfully answer this question. Tell them about yourself, HIGHLIGHTING the things in your background that are relevant to what they are looking or what the position is about. And say this as you answer. For instance, the job I just interviewed for had a lot of database work, and I said, "I see this position involves database work, and I want to highlight that I worked for a year at Acme Company on a database project where I did x, y, and z, so I believe this would be great experience that would prepare me for the position". You can also use this approach in a more general sense, tell them why you are a self-starter, a hard worker, adaptable, etc.

 Good luck!!

jennyk213

flower_lover:

6. One last tip for both phone and in-person interview. It's fairly common for them to start with a general "tell me about yourself" question. There is a super-important way to successfully answer this question. Tell them about yourself, HIGHLIGHTING the things in your background that are relevant to what they are looking or what the position is about. And say this as you answer. For instance, the job I just interviewed for had a lot of database work, and I said, "I see this position involves database work, and I want to highlight that I worked for a year at Acme Company on a database project where I did x, y, and z, so I believe this would be great experience that would prepare me for the position". You can also use this approach in a more general sense, tell them why you are a self-starter, a hard worker, adaptable, etc.

 Good luck!!

This is the only question she asked.  In fact, the conversation went "Hi, Jennifer.  ___ ____ highly recommended you.  Tell me about yourself, specifically your management experience." 

Unfortunately she's looking for someone full time and I was really hoping for part time so I can keep growing my business.  I wish I could swing it because it has the potential to be a really awesome opportunity.

Thanks for all the advice!