How to Answer the Phone for a Phone Interview

Be Prepared for Interview

A phone interview requires as much preparation as a regular interview. You need to prepare possible questions you might be asked as well as some questions you can ask the interviewer. If you have prior knowledge of the interview, take time to read up the job description and gather relevant information about the company.

Control Your Environment

Switch off your TV set. If you have roommates, let them know you have a phone interview and ask them to give you space and privacy. You need a quiet and peaceful environment that enables you to concentrate. If there won't be any interruptions, you can use your speakerphones. You can dress the same way you would to a regular interview. This will help you feel professional. You can sit near a table with a copy of your current CV or application letter, the details of the interview with your pen and paper handy. Make sure they are neatly arranged to enable you reach the information you might need easily.

Be Professional

Be professional in your mode of answering the phone is REALLY important in how to answer the phone for a phone interview: You should begin with something like, Good morning, Sophie Tanner speaking. You must make sure you address the interviewer with the title or Mr., Miss, or Mrs. as the case may be unless the interviewers invite you to use their first names. Show a decent level of enthusiasm and animation, but stay polite to the end. Don't try to play the over-familiar card or start chatting with the interviewer like you would with a friend.

Be very attentive and brief when giving your answers. If you are the one ringing the interviewer up for the interview, rehearse your opening line before sending the call. You can start with something like, Good morning, may I speak to Mr. Jones please: I have a telephone interview with him now.

Listen First

Don't be in haste to give your answer, make sure you listen first to get the entire question. Answering without understanding what is being asked will lead to a fluffy answer.

Using Notes

One great advantage of these phone interviews is the fact that you can make use of your notes-don't fail to take good advantage of this. Keep a copy of your current CV before you, to enable you remember every single relevant date. Prepare the same way you would for a regular interview. Put down answers to every regular interview question and other questions that relate to the job.

If possible, write down important details while the interview lasts, or write down whatever you can remember about the questions you were asked or the answers you gave as soon as the interview ends. If there is a next stage, the note you made will serve as a useful record you can refer to for adequate preparation.

Smile While on the Phone

Place your mirror near the phone, and look into the mirror and smile occasionally while the interview lasts. You can start this technique now to ensure you get comfortable with it. You will discover that doing this will help you sound more engaged and upbeat.

Tone of Voice

During regular interviews, you interviewer takes a cue from your body languages and eye contact to assess your personality and character. But in a phone interview, he can only rely on your tone of voice. Your tone of voice betrays as much details about you as your body language would, so always pay attention to the way you sound on the phone. Try to sound professional and friendly at the same time. Always sit up straight or stand during a phone interview, it will have positive effect on how to answer the phone for a phone interview.

Appointment Confirmation

Don't forget about the main goal of a phone interview-setting up a one-on-one interview. After you thank your interviewer at the end of the interview, ask them if it would be possible to meet them in person.

Create a Positive Ending.

If you want the job badly, make sure you end the call on a very positive note. You can say something like, Thanks for the call, I love the details I have about the job opening, and I'm quite confident I have what it takes to fill this position. I want this job, and I would like to know the next step to take.

Send a Thank-You Note.

Send a brief note after about 1/2 of a business day. This note should not exceed a screen shot. You don't have to send this email immediately the call ends, but make sure you send it on the same day.

Questions Mostly Asked by the Interviewers in an Interview

Q. Could you please tell me something about your life?

A. The employer commonly uses this question as an opening line to start the interview. Keep the response short but professional. Always stay focused so you won't deviate from traits that can help the company's line of business.

Q. Can you tell me about your educational experience?

A. This question requires a direct answer that is direct to the point. The interviewer wants to hear nothing but the truth. If you don't have any degree and have not enrolled into any program, say it as it is.

Q. What job are you having now and where do you work?

A. No one likes to abandon his/her present job when there is no alternative; always give a direct and honest answer to this question.

Note: Avoid negative talks, even if your former job ended in a hurtful way.

Q. What are your current salary expectation?

A. This answer to this question should be an easy one. How much do you make now and what do you think you are worth considering your skills? You can use one online calculator to calculate your worth based on your qualification, skills, and experiences.

You must not make the mistake of either over-pricing or under-pricing yourself as you would be pricing yourself out of the potential job with such mistakes.

Questions Not to Ask on a Phone Interview:

1) Will there be times when I will have to work overtime?

2) Are your working hours flexible?

3) Do I have to pass any background or drug test?

4) What health insurance does this company offer?

5) How functional is the public transport system in this district?

6) How many weeks will I be entitled to for vacations and sick leaves?

7) How much do you pay for this position?

8) Will I be allowed to work from home?