Mastering the phone interview

People always talk about the resume and the face to face interview but they often forget about a key step in the process - the phone interview.  It is now pretty commonplace for a corporate recruiter/talent acquisition specialist to call a short list of candidates to conduct a telephone prescreen.  Also when working with agency recruiters, they tend to do most of their interviewing over the phone.  So knowing how to act and present yourself in a professional and open manner over the telephone is necessary for success.
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What to Expect

First of all, not all telephone interviews are preplanned. There are times when a recruiter will pick up the phone and call so be prepared to be caught off guard!  If it isn't a good time (you are at work, driving or home with noisy kids) do not be afraid to ask to schedule a better time.  When you are distracted you are not able to give it your all and the background noises will distract the recruiter from giving you their undivided attention both resulting in a decreased liklihood of you getting asked in for a face to face!

The phone prescreen is usually about 15-30 minutes in length with the recruiter going through your resume and asking specific skills based questions.  They may touch base on why you applied, your salary expectations and your availability.

Keys to Success

Some of these will sound silly and common sense, but you would be surprised how often we forget them!

1. Treat the phone interview like a face to face interview.
2. Take the call in a quiet and distraction free area.
3. Go into the call prepared - go to the washroom, get a glass of water, dress for success (doesn't have to be a suit but in comfortable clothes).
4. Have your documents (resume, job description, list of questions) and blank paper laid out on a table nearby.  Don't pile them because then you will need to rifle with them which is a distraction!
5. Ask questions!  
6. Finish professionally - thank them for their time, express your increased interest.  Send a thank you email within 24-48 hours.

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