Phone Interview Etiquette: How To Approach A Phone Job Interview

The phone interview is typically used by hiringkeep a few things in mind:
managers to screen possible job candidates ratherThe person interviewing you can't see you (and you
than having to invite all of them in for longer face toobviously can't see them either) so remember that
face interviews.they are judging not only what you say, but how you
The phone interview is used to then cull the list ofsay it.
potential candidates down to a smaller group of peopleEnsure that you are in a quiet place when the phone
who meet certain criteria and appear to be suitable forinterview occurs.
the job.Ensure that you answer the phone at the time the
In my experience, employers who I've worked withinterview takes place. Don't miss the call!
who utilize phone interviews often do so for two mainDon't get distracted during the interview. Ensure you
reasons.are alone and can't be distracted by anyone or
First they might be the type of hiring manager who foranything.
whatever reason likes to start with a large group ofIf you're using a cordless phone, make sure you have
potential candidates and then quickly go through the listgood reception and that it's fully charged. It's not a
to identify a smaller group that they want to interviewgreat idea to use a cellphone unless you're sure you
face to face in more detail.are going to have 100% perfect reception.
Secondly, hiring managers often utilize the phoneAs with a face to face interview, try to get an idea
interview as a method of interviewing out of townfrom the person interviewing you what happens next
candidates who don't live in the same city (or statein the interview process before the call ends ie. When
province/country) as the hiring company.will you hear back from them? Is there a face to face
When you have a phone interview set up you need tointerview next?