BASICS PHONE INTERVIEW
REASONS
The most common reasons for programs to conduct a phone interview with prospective residents are:
- To save time
- To save money (specifically, travel expenses)
- To pre-screen
- To narrow down the search for potential face-to-face interviews
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PHONE AND IN-PERSON
Methods of communication:
- Face-to-face communication consists of words, tone of voice, and body language.
- Phone communication consists only of the first two, so what you say and how you say it are most important.
- Your tone of voice should be enthusiastic and positive.
Disadvantage of the phone interview is the loss of personal contacts between you and the Interviewer- a vital part of selling yourself. Due to this loss of contact, you sacrifice all control over the interview because you are an ambiguous person on the phone.
Cues
You are deprived of visual cues: Office environment, culture, and the interviewer’s attitude toward others. The opportunity to gather a sense of the program and the interviewer is lost. Keep in mind, however, that there are some advantages to the phone interview. Since the interviewer can only focus on what has been said (and how it was said), then he or she will listen to your verbal expressions more intently than in a face-to-face interview.
Resources
The advantage of using any resources available while on the phone.
DOCUMENTS IN FRONT OF YOU
- You almost certainly be asked about some of the information that appears on these documents.
- You might also want to have in front of you any supporting materials that relate to information in your CV and PS.
- You may want to email these documents to the interviewer after concluding if necessary.
WORK SHEET
Make a written assessment of your skills.
Write down a few notes about the most critical points you want to make in your interview.
USE HANDS-FREE PHONE
This isn’t the time to use a cell phone in spotty coverage that cuts in and out, or a cheaply made phone that makes it difficult for you and your interviewer to hear and understand each other.
And please make sure your voicemail is professional because you never know when they might call.
GOAL
[The interviewer may ask himself or herself the following questions after the interview]
- Did you have an enthusiastic voice?
- Did you answer questions vaguely or directly?
- Did you research the company well, or did you ask simple questions?
- Did you express interest in a second interview?
- Did you follow up with a thank-you letter?
- Did you pursue this opportunity with a phone call or e-mail?
- Did you send supporting material (resume, portfolio, etc.)?
DURING THE PHONE INTERVIEW
- Have a self-confident and enthusiastic voice
- Smile as much as possible the tone of a smile brings about enthusiasm
- Speak succinctly so that you are not rambling
- Keep the conversation going with prepared questions
- Do not eat, smoke, or chew gum while on the phone
- Speak directly into the phone so that you can be heard clearly
- Do not take other calls while on the phone
- Turn off Call Waiting
- If you can Sit in an upright position or stand while talking your voice will sound stronger
- Avoid nervous habits that will create noise
Do not interrupt the interviewer
Listen to what is said and ask for clarification if needed
HOW TO END THE CONVERSATION
- Let the interviewer end the interview
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time and reiterate your interest in the position
- Find out what the next steps are so that you can follow-up appropriately
- State that you would like to meet personally
FOLLOW UP
Send a thank you letter to the interviewer as soon as possible to show your appreciation and enthusiasm for the position.
