I have a 20-30 minute phone interview on Thursday (yay), but I struggle with them. I've only had one other phone interview, and even though I prepared for it, I felt extremely flustered and don't think I did very well at all. So I'm polling the hive for tips. Thank you in advance for your help. 
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i write down all my accomplishments and keep my resume right in front of me. And if i have to think about a question, i ask them if i can have a minute, then set the phone down, and think. It's better than going "ummm ummmm" into the phone. It's always helped me a lot to set it aside and think for a minute. They know you're there!
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Aside from the usual prep, someone told me to dress as if you were doing the interview in person rather than in your pajamas and slippers. If you wear a suit or dress you tend to sit straighter and you get into a professional mindset. I was also told to smile. Even though the person can't see you they can tell when you smile while you respond.
Not sure if these actually work but I had success! Good luck!
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I second @MapleMoose - definitely dress the part. Sit up straight, put a glass of water close (but only drink if absolutely necessary, e.g. if you are coughing etc)
in front of you: resume, notepad, pen, reasons you are awesome, the job description with your notes (examples to prove you have the skills they ask for)
If it is early in the morning: make sure you have been speaking before picking up the phone (with dh, in the shower... whatever)
And, important: SMILE! you can hear that in a voice. -
As I've been conducting phone interviews lately...don't be afraid to ask questions or have the individual repeat the question and be cognizant of your "ums" etc. as they become more pronounced over the phone
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I always walk around (quietly). I feel like that helps me to use my nervous energy and think more clearly because phones make me anxious anyways. Also definitely smile.
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These are all great tips! Wish I had seen them last week when I had a phone interview on Wed. One of the benefits of a phone interview is you can have notes in front of you! I wrote the names down of the people who I was speaking with. Sounds silly but I am awful with names. I also made sure I calculated all my years at previous jobs and wrote that down as well since I totally had a memory lapse last time someone asked me how long I had been at my current job.
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Do it in front of a mirror and smile! Don't say umm or hmmm a lot- just take your time responding if you need to. Have everything laid out in front of you- accomplishments, time line for stuff, etc. Good luck!
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Don't worry about long pauses. It is better to take your time and think than to try to fill the pause.
Also, in general for an interview I like to look at the job description and think of/write down specific stories about of work I have done that show how I have done the things they are looking for.
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I've done so many! I agree with most of the advice and would back up a few...
Definitely dress the part even though you're at home. If you can use a landline, if not make sure you are fully charged and in a place with good reception. Take notes and ask detailed questions about the job. Don't stress pauses, it's natural. Speak deliberately and slowly and make sure you catch your breath. Good luck!
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@blackbird: @MapleMoose: @busylizzy111: @Mrs. Pickles: @Mae: @kimbed: @NovBaby1112: @CakeLady: @msplatypus: thank you ladies! These are some great tips. I'll be doing the interview in my car since its at 3:30 in the afternoon. I'll also be dressed for it since I am coming from work. Wish me luck!
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@avivoca: good luck! let us know how it went!
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@avivoca: Hope it went well!
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@busylizzy111: @kentuckygirl: It's on Thursday, but I will update!
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***UPDATE***
I had my phone interview today and I think it went really well. He (the interviewer) said that my news and non-profit background was really interesting and would bring a lot to the position. We had a great conversation about what I have been doing in relation to what this job would entail. I should have a follow-up call in a week or a week and a half to either schedule an in-person interview or be informed that they have selected other candidates to interview.
Thanks to your tips, I felt very prepared and I think the confidence showed. Thank you!
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So happy for you! Fingers crossed you get good news!
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So glad it went well! Fingers crossed for you!
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@avivoca: fingers crossed for a great new opportunity for you!!
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