In an effort to save time and money and as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates, employers often conduct the initial job interview by phone. Phone interviews are also used as a way to minimize the cost involved in bringing in out-of-town candidates. But keep in mind that phone screens tend to place you, the jobseeker, at a disadvantage. Why? Because you only have one tool of communication available—your voice. One verbal slip or the perception that you lack sufficient energy and vitality provide the interviewer with a valid excuse to scratch you off the applicant list.

If you are currently involved in a job search, it’s important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment’s notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

Face it, interviews are almost always stressful—even for job seekers who have lived through countless interviews. The best way to reduce stress is to be prepared, just as you would be prepared for a regular interview. Take the time to review the “standard” interview questions you will most likely be asked, and to research the company and job for which you are applying so you'll be ready with a well-informed answer for unforeseen interview questions.

Interview Preparation Tips and Best Behavior

1. Create note cards that list some of your major strengths, such as “I am an experienced problem-solver” or “cost-cutting expert.” Be sure to provide specific examples to illustrate those strengths. Review the cards and have them readily at hand. It is important to promote yourself strategically in response to any question you are asked.

2. Prepare another set of cards with specific questions to ask the interviewer, based on your research of the company and position. This may seem like a tedious exercise but due diligence in research is critical.

When the phone interviewer first contacts you, make sure you are able to talk on the phone for at least 20 minutes, undisturbed. No interview is going to go well with screaming children or other interruptive noises in the background.

Also, a land line is preferable to a cell phone for a variety of reasons—one is that your call could be dropped if your cell phone encounters a problem. Other reasons are that cell phones amplify ambient noise, which can be very distracting to the interviewer, plus there is a slight delay after each person speaks that can be disorienting.

During the phone screen interview, don’t sit like a lump—stand up, walk around, and smile—yes, smile. Pretend the interviewer is in the room. Your voice projects much better from a standing position than a seated one, and will sound more vibrant and enthusiastic if you are smiling, as it would in any normal conversation.

You can also use the phone screen to determine if the organization is likely to have the right opportunity for you, so be prepared to ask some questions.

Typical Phone Screen Questions for the Interviewee:

1. Ask the interviewer to describe the position the company is considering you for.

2. What does he/she wish to learn about you on this call?

3. What makes this position and the company such a great opportunity?

4. At the conclusion of the phone screen, ask what the next steps are in the organization’s hiring process and timing.

IF you are interested in pursuing the job, ASK for a face-to-face interview. Your objective is to obtain an in-person meeting so that you can discuss more effectively your background as it relates to the position.

Oh, And One More Thing

Technology has entered the interview market with a new tool called “HireVue,” which allows potential employees to record a Web-based video interview with a USB Web cam, via pod, or home computer. The video clips of candidates answering potential employers’ questions are then available at any time for hiring managers to peruse and use as part of their overall staffing process.

Career Services at the University of Utah is now experimenting with HireVue with some employers who aren’t able to come to campus but want to interview students.

Need more information about Career Service programs? Contact Julie Swaner, Program Manager, Alumni Career Services, at (801) 585-5036.