Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are becoming an increasingly common way for companies to screen a large number of candidates before deciding who to bring in for a face-to-face. A recent article at Vault.com gives four pieces of excellent advice to ace phone interviews:

1. Minimize distractions - kids, pets, flushing toilets, ringing cell phones, other ambient noise

2. Sharpen your verbal skills (clear speech, cogent explanations, vocal variety, expressing enthusiasm)

3. Prepare in advance - learn about the company, have your resume and a pad of paper handy, don't use a cell phone

4. Follow up - send a thank you note that includes a reminder of your most relevant skills.

To this I would add "smile." People can hear you smiling on the phone! Really! Try it out with a friend sometime. Also, if you're feeling nervous, try having the interview standing up or walking around the room. This can help you "show up" in a more powerful and confident way.

To view the article, click here.