A phone interview, much different that an in-person interview, still has constructive and key aspects to go about it. While I feel much more relaxed in a phone interview, there are still ways in which one can show their personality, sense of humor, interests, and uniqueness during a phone interview. And even though you can do a phone interview in your pj's (guilty), you can still show professionalism and uniqueness.
I will give some personal testimony tips, as well as a list from PRSA's website.
1. Be clear and concise
Especially on the phone, you need to be wary of the phone service and connection; make sure that you are speaking clearly and a bit slower than you may usually. In addition, be careful with speaker phone. Usually it is not a good idea due to static and muffled sounds. So, make sure you are directly up to the phone, as well as making your speech clear and to the point.
2. Like any interview, have some questions prepared ahead of time
Hopefully the interviewer will be enticing enough to start conversations and make question asking a natural part of the interview. Even still, do your research, find your niche, and find some questions to be asked.
3. Stay professional
I know you're on the phone and it may seem like you could just be lax, but it's still an interview. Make your speech clear, use professional vernacular, avoid saying "um", and be knowledgeable of the business or organization you are interviewing for.
4. Know yourself- anticipate the interviewers questions
"So, what is your biggest strength, and what is your biggest weakness?" You might get caught with "um" response if you are not prepared. My tip: know your strengths and weaknesses!
And now, here is a list from PRSA:
- Prepare for a phone interview as seriously as if it were an in-person interview.
- Set up a list of key statistics and abbreviated answers to field more complex questions.
- Mind your phone etiquette — don’t put the recruiter on hold or order a drive–through lunch.
- Stay on topic.
- Don’t rush to answer the recruiter’s question until they’ve finished speaking.
