Phone Interview

Want to ace that phone interview?

Phone interviews present some challenges. There’s really no way to make eye contact or establish rapport – and it can be tough to get comfortable with the whole thing. Paul Bailo, author of “The Official Phone Interview Handbook,” has some pointers:

• Find a picture of the interviewer or someone you respect – and talk to it during your interview.

• If you’re given a choice between placing or receiving the interview call – opt for receive. It creates a subtle sense that they are perusing you and not the other way around.

• Have information about the company AND your resume handy. A list of prepared questions can really help too.

Once the call arrives, say “Hello” instead of “Hi” and try to start off with about 90 seconds of small talk to establish a personal rapport. Try to speak in sound bites and limit your responses to a sentence or two. Nervous applicants tend to ramble – save the details for when they’re requested.