How do you prepare for a phone interview / screening?

[Liz CA]

I mean beyond the obvious, having your resume in front of you, being ready to explain responsibilities of certain positions...what else?

[Hyacinth]

The same way you'd practice for a face-to-face interview. Practice your answers. Practice speaking slowly. (I would actually put a post-it in front of me that said "Slow!" because I tend to talk too quickly and it's likely hard to follow on the phone.)

[QueenCat]

Have a fully cleansed mouth. And drink water when possible. Keeps your voice clearer.

[Lanny]

I was a Consulting Software Engineer and worked on temporary contract assignments. Unless there was a local assignment, where I could do an in person interview, the interviews were always on the phone. One of my former Supervisors, who became a good friend, suggested this to me: Dress up as if you are going to an in person interview.   Today, in the age of Skype and other Video Chat calls, I suggest that you be fully prepared, for it to be not just a phone interview, and expect a Video Chat interview.

 

I always tried to have 1 or 2 questions ready to ask the person who was interviewing me.  Is this position funded at this time? Approximately how long do you expect this position to last?

 

On one occasion, I did not have a warm fuzzy feeling for the woman who interviewed me, and I turned that assignment down, twice. It was because of one question she asked me, which I believe was illegal, it was not because she was a woman.  

 

If there is no rapport I would never go to work for someone.

 

GL

[Erica in OR]

It may sound odd, but during a call or online presentation, I prefer to wear an outfit that I feel good in, something that I might wear if I were doing it face-to-face.

 

Erica in OR

[Rachel]

Make sure you are n a place with clear connection. My phone gets crackly in certain parts of the house.

[Happy]

Smile! (when appropriate--greetings, etc.) It changes your voice just a little.

 

I stand when on the phone. I think it helps me 'think on my feet' :)

 

Visualize the very real person on the other end of the call.

[ThisIsTheDay]

This book has been phenomenol in guiding me for phone interviews.

 

Interview Magic pdf

 

It has a section specifically for telephone interviews. I've had two telephone interviews (different jobs) and each one resulted in a face to face interview. I have an annoying voice, and in general, I loathe talking on the phone. Both positions were for something I'd done more than 10 years prior. (I declined the first face to face interview, as the job wasn't what I wanted. I currently am working for the company that gave me the other phone interview.) :)

 

In addition to the book's suggestions, I turned on our house fan, locked the bedroom door, and had my papers spread out on my bed to make me think I could find something if needed.