Phone Interviewing

Good phone ability is a requirement of almost every job at all levels. This is a chance to demonstrate your phone communications skills.

Face-to-face communication consists of three elements: words, tone of voice and body language. But when communicating by telephone, there is no physical contact, no observable body language. So what you say (the words you use) and your tone of voice become much more important, as does your ability to listen and respond. The words you use on the telephone should be positive.

Use words like " challenge, solution, success, we, I, our, your, opportunity, can, good, between assignments." Avoid words like "can‘t, won‘t, don‘t, haven‘t, unsuccessful, failure, problem, bad, unemployed, retired, fired."

Stand while doing a phone interview. Smile into the phone. The tone of your voice should be clear and enthusiastic. Don‘t sound disinterested, mumble words or be monotonous in your tone. Don‘t chew gum, smoke or eat during phone interview.

Group Interview

Group interviews are more likely in associations, academic and other not-for-profit organizations that use a board of directors or peer selection committee. Group interviews are most ususally arranged for senior executives and professionals. At this level, most position requirements include presentation skills, so this is a chance to demonstrate those skills.

Group interviewers tend to ask tough questions (e.g. "you don‘t have experience in our fields; why should we select you over candidates who do?" "You‘ve had a lot of jobs, wouldn‘t you say?" "Why haven‘t you secured a new position yet?") Be prepared to address such questions.

Speak directly to the person who asked the question. Maintain eye contact with the person who asked the question but don‘t ignore the others. If panel members have differences, avoid taking sides. Get business cards of panelists so you can send follow-up letters. Express interest in the position and confirm the next steps in the process.

(Note to the interviewers: If you are conducting a panel interview there are several things you can do to make interviewees more comfortable and demonstrate your organization‘s consideration for its employees. Make sure the interviewee has a comfortable chair with a table in front of it, preferably one with a courtesy panel. Provide a pitcher of water and clean glasses. Offer coffee. Greet the interviewees personally when they arrive; introduce each member of the panel and say what their position / relation to the position is. Have tent name cards (with large type) in front of each interviewer. Designate a lead interviewer to manage the process. Provide business cards for each interviewer. Let the interviewee know what the next steps in the process will be. And most importantly let the interviewees know before the interview that it will be a group / panel interview.)

Tips for Phone Interviews

• Be in a private location, free from intrusions.
• Select a comfortable place, preferably with a nice view.
• Wash your face with cold water before the call.
• Get positive; review the pluses in your resume.
• Have good questions to ask.
• Have pen, pad, resume, references, ad/position description and an updated calendar (to set next steps) at hand.
• Make note card reminders to yourself (e.g. "Answer the questions asked." "Don‘t ramble." "Smile into the phone." "Be enthusiastic.")
• Listen to what is said and asked. Ask for clarification if needed.
• Don‘t mumble. Be articulate. Push one foot to the floor while talking; better, stand while talking.
• Don‘t ramble; answer the questions that are asked.
• Find out what the next steps are so you can follow-up appropriately. Say you would like to meet personally.
• Send a letter after the interview.
• Remember to smile and be enthusiastic.