[Mr_Wind_Up_Bird]

So I have an interview for my “dream job” this coming week. I want this job so badly, I can barely sleep or eat or think straight. I really don’t want to blow it. I’ve been under-employed for over a year now. My wife walked away without warning 9 months ago. This job could give me a whole new beginning; a steady income while I deal with the other emotional stuff.

So does anyone have phone interview pointers?

It would be especially great to hear from people who have conducted phone interviews, themselves.

The interview is with a panel of 3 people. I just sent them samples of my work and recommendation letters today to review before the interview. I’ll have my resume and some “canned” answers printed out in front of me before the interview, but beyond that I’ll take any advice I can get.

As well as any positive energy the Universe can direct my way.

Thanks!

Mr. Wind-Up Bird.

[Nightsky]

Have a glass of water close by incase you need a sip. Learn how to work your mute button just incase you need to sneeze or cough.

[kd5145]

My biggest suggestion would be that you practice your answers just like you would with a face to face interview. Have your resume in front of you, a list of projects you have completed so you can reference it.

You should still smile. A seasoned phone interviewer can read a person even over the phone. Be sincere and happy to share your accomplishments.

I'm sure there are individuals that are extremely serious when they are interviewing, but I enjoy someone that has a sense of humor when I am interviewing them.

[Quinch]

Remember the 6 Ps: Proper Preperation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Good luck.

[Leia]

Speak clearly and with confidence!

Good luck!!

[solo_flyer]

1. Ensure that you sound very interested and motivated
2. Ensure that you come across and being very good in communication

When we are looking for new folks to bring onto our team at work or to pull from overseas for more advanced training and possible promotion, I always consider those things first.

Actual ability or skills at job is not nearly as important. Affability is much higher ranked than ability. You have to make it easy for them to choose you and make them WANT to hire you. Show your interest and passion and they will get this idea.

[Dark-N-Romantic]

A few tips,

1. Proper phone greeting.
2. Keep all noise within your range of control down, if not off.
3. Speak clearly and precisely.
4. Keep your resume at hand.
5. If you can sit in front of a computer, see if you can image yourself there.
6. Keep your responses short and to the point.
7. Thank the interviewer at the close of the interview.
8. Give proper phone closure.


DNR

Blessings and best wishes for your interview.

[Trialbyfire]

The old standards work well.

1. Never let'em hear you sweat.
2. Provide clear, concise responses. No long-winded explanations.
3. If you need to think about a response, let them know you're doing this but don't do it often.
4. No long pregnant pauses.
5. Let the interviewer set the pace of the phone interview.
6. Sit very still and for the love of what you hold dear, do not rustle paper.
7. Be friendly and professional but not too friendly.
8. No nervous giggling or laughing.
9. You can throw in one tasteful joke or witty comment and see how they respond. If it's favourable, add a few more interspersed throughout, so they get the feeling you're relaxed and have a sense of humour.
10. If they express an inaccuracy about you, correct them in a tactful way.
11. Ask some questions about the company, so they know you're interested but also get the impression they need to sell to you, that you're the commodity they need.
12. Don't let them know you're sitting in your pajamas.

[spookie]

I know this will likely be disregarded, but....

I suck at phone interviews. Before landing the job I'm starting later this month, I completely bombed three of them. Each literally lasted three minutes. I HATE chatting on the phone and I'm really bad at it.

But for this job... I got stoned before the interview. I thought I bombed it too because, in retrospect, I didn't think some of my answers made any sense, but I kept them on the phone for about an hour, cracking jokes and seeming excited and whatnot, and apparently they liked me.

[wing81]

May be self explanatory but take a shower, brush your teeth, and dress professionally. This will help make you sound more professional even though your interviewer cannot see you.