Telephone and Virtual Interviews

Telephone Interviews

In general, make it easy on employers by only providing them one number where you can be easily reached. Remind anyone that may answer your phone to be professional since you are in the midst of a job search and ensure that your voice mail message is appropriate. Your voice message should include both your phone number as well as your name.

• Even though you may not recognize a phone number, answer the phone rather than letting it go into voice mail.
• Answer phone calls in a polished demeanor rather than a more casual manner.
• When on a cell phone, only talk in areas you know have strong reception.  If in doubt, try to use a landline.
• Do not talk on the phone with anything in your mouth.  However, it is acceptable to have water handy.
• Avoid background noise.  In problem cases, either quickly change locations or ask if you can return their call.
• If they are calling you, thank them for contacting you.
• Use the person's title (Dr., Ms. or Mr.) with their last name. Use their first name when asked.
• If you are in a car when a recruiter calls, you may wish to pull over so that you can concentrate better.
• Disable call waiting to avoid distractions.
• Have a paper/pen, employer/position information, and your resume handy for reference.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
• To improve your voice quality, stand up if you are able.
• Smile frequently while talking.  Surprisingly, enthusiasm is conveyed with this simple technique.
• Take your time. It's fine to collect your thoughts before responding to a question.
• Never interrupt the interviewer.
• Give specific examples of your accomplishments.
• After you thank the interviewer, ask for the opportunity to meet with them in person for a second interview.
• Send a thank you letter within 24-48 hours to reiterate your interest in the position.

Virtual Interviews

With more job candidates being asked to participate in Web-based video conferencing rather than in-person interviews, it's important to prepare properly for the virtual interview format.  This style of interview may either replace or supplement the more traditional, in-person process.  Typically, video conferencing is used as an initial screening device, or in cases where geography is an obstacle.  Online interviews can save a great deal of time and money for both parties involved.  For more tips, check out this helpful video.

• Be familiar with the technology by ensuring your computer Webcam and sound work properly.
• Make sure any needed software, such as Skype, is loaded and functioning by doing a trial run with a friend.
• Decide where you will conduct the virtual interview.  Avoid distractions and noise (ringing phones, barking dogs, and crying babies).
• Make sure that your backdrop is neat, well lit, and not overly bland.  Plants, pictures, and lamps look professional and add depth.  Avoid posters, doorways, cluttered bookcases, and sunlit windows behind you which cast shadows.  Natural light shining in front of you accents you the best.
• Dress as you would for an in-person interview.  The process might seem informal, but it is the real thing.
• Know who will initiate the call.  Regardless of who calls who, trade contact information so both parties are easily located.  Make sure your account name is professional. 
• Be ready 15 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time to get used to your surroundings (some situations may require you to arrive at a special video conferencing location).
• Pay attention to the camera level and always look into the camera instead of at the computer screen or desk.
• Don't eat or drink anything during the interview.
• Be aware that slight transmission delays may occur and frequent pauses may be necessary to avoid interruptions.
• Learn from others mistakes by checking out the disastrous job interview.

Remember, despite the virtual format, the guidelines for traditional interviewing still hold true.