By Robert Gallagher

bgallagher@thedenzelgroup.com

Many of the traditional tips for a successful interview: eye contact, pressed suit and a firm handshake, lose the majority of their effectiveness over the phone. That’s not the only way phone interviews differ from the standard “face-to-face” meeting most professionals are experienced with.

Simply not being in the same room as the interviewer presents a number of difficulties. Communication becomes challenging, attention can wander, and it is easy for both parties to end the call with very different impressions.

Even though employers are using phone screens more than ever, very few job seekers bother to prepare for this critical first interaction. There is no excuse for blowing a career opportunity over a minor mistake in the initial screen, so take the time to brush up. Focus on these key areas and guarantee a next step in the process:

Logistics
You don’t need an ERP to plan out the call, but be sure to cover the basics. There is nothing more embarrassing and unprofessional than an interrupted call due to poor planning. Use a reliable connection (preferably land-line) to prevent the call from dropping. If you do use a cell, check the reception and battery before the call. Choose a location that is free from distractions and noise. Lastly, just as in any interview it helps to be prepared ahead of time, so set aside a time block (at least 30 minutes) and be ready 5 minutes before the call.

Posture and Dress
Dress for success! The person on the other end of the phone could care less what you’re wearing, but the way you dress has an impact on voice, tone, and attitude. A suit is not required, but you can do better than rolling out of bed and taking the call in pajamas. Posture also plays a part, so feel free to stand during the call instead of sitting. Take advantage of not being face-to-face and do some power poses. The confidence will come across over the phone and make an impression.

Materials
Just like in a traditional interview, it helps to have your resume memorized backwards, forwards, and upside down. However, when talking over the phone it is possible to have additional material present as well. Take advantage of this and have multiple tabs open on your computer including the company website, job description, and the interviewer’s LinkedIn. Spend some time on LinkedIn to look up who is conducting the interview and any possible common connections or interests. Most research should have taken place beforehand, but treat it like a test that the teacher makes open-book at the last moment.

Communication
The phone screen is where the first impression is made. Make the most of it! Have a list of intelligent questions prepared and tailor them to fit the natural flow of conversation. Be polite and enthusiastic. It is easy to come across as bored with the absence of facial expression, so put a little extra pep in your tone. At the same time, remember to speak clearly, slowly, and slightly louder than usual. Close the interview by expressing interest in the next steps and getting the interviewer’s contact information.

Follow Up!
A common mistake is to assume the phone interview is somehow less formal or important than an in-person. Do not forget to follow up with a thank you email within 24-48 hours. Thank the interviewer for their time while working in specific points from the conversation that were especially beneficial or helpful. Again, use the opportunity to express interest and ask for information about next steps.

The phone interview is usually just the first stage in the process. It is always an important one. Make a great first impression, because it could be the beginning of a career-changing opportunity.

Feel like I missed something? Share your own phone tips or stories below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Gallagher is an Executive Recruiter and Career Coach at The Denzel Group. He received his Bachelors in Corporate Communications from Penn State University. He has published works in Tradition Magazine, InQ, The Pottstown-Mercury, State of the Valley and is a LinkedIn contributor. Follow him on The Denzel Group’s LinkedIn site: www.goo.gl/IWRpqh

THE DENZEL GROUP: 
The Denzel Group conducts Contingent, Retained and Staff Augmentation Information Technology searches for a wide variety of clients in the Life Science, Health, Insurance, Financial, Pharmaceutical, Media, Manufacturing, Technology and various other industries. Our client base includes small, mid-size and Fortune 500 companies. Using our tried and proven 17-step search process, we are able to provide our clients with critically talented Information Technology professionals in a timely and cost efficient manner. Visit us athttp://www.thedenzelgroup.com