Did you realize that the first interview you receive will probably be via telephone? Companies are streamlining their hiring procedures and most do not conduct in-person interviews until well into the selection process. That means that your first impression with a prospective employer or recruiter will be audible, not visual. What does it take to make a good impression over the phone? Here are some issues to consider:
Take it Seriously - Most candidates aren't as concerned about the intitial telephone interview as they are about the in-person interview which is a major mistake. The telephone interview is the make or break moment for continuing progress in the evaluation process. If you flub the telephone interview, there won't BE an in-person interview! Make acing the telephone interview your first priority rather than looking past it to the in-person interview.
Be Very Prepared - Have your resume near the phone so you can refer to it as needed. Have a list of questions prepared for each company to which you have applied and have that available. Be prepared for the general interview questions that are used for screening purposes - Tell me about yourself. Keep your job search notes close to the phone. Make sure your portable phone is always charged.
Be Formal - Just because you may be standing there with a towel wrapped around you does not mean you can be lackadaisical. Stand up straight. Smile. Talk slowly and with great enunciation. Turn down all background noise (radio, tv, kids, etc.). Watch your grammar - yes instead of yeah, absolutely NO foul language, and watch your speech patterns. Imagine the most gruff, formal interviewer and speak to that person.
Follow Up - You should follow up a telephone interview just as you would any other type interview - with a handwritten thank you note or a personal email to the person who interviewed you. Make sure you get this contact information from the interviewer before you hang up. Follow up again in a few days to check the status of the position.
Ready the Voice Mail - Make sure your voice mail has a professional-sounding message. It may be cute to have the kids do the message but it's not productive for making a good impression on possible future employers.
Schedule Ahead - Often, recruiters will email to set up a time for a telephone interview. Take advantage of this opportunity to suggest a time that will allow you to talk uninterrupted. Dinner time is not a good time to schedule an interview. Most recruiters will be happy to talk in the evenings or on lunch breaks.