Earlier this month, my staffing team mounted a piece of poster board to a wall in the office and began jotting down all of the crazy, funny and downright rude things that people are doing and saying during phone interviews.
“The List” is meant to add some levity to the office. And, yeah, some of its contents are pretty funny. But in the face of a dismal job market it is also quite sad that so many qualified candidates are losing opportunities because of phone interview mistakes.
Here’s an opportunity to learn from “The List” — presenting my 11 worst phone interview foul out.
1. Lost calls: Cell phones make our lives easier and more productive but they still can’t be trusted to deliver crystal clear, continuous communication. If at all possible, use a land line.
2. Background conversation: It’s difficult to concentrate on the conversation when there are crying children or barking dogs in the background. Don’t be in a room with other people, don’t keep the TV on in the background and ALWAYS apologize for any background interruption.
3. Phone fuzz: Ask any recruiter and they’ll tell you that the #1 pet peeve is speaker phones – they are annoying as hell! Headsets come in a close 2nd; I have asked dozens of people to remove them during calls.
4. Dreary Droll: Some people have a difficult time projecting their enthusiasm … and their voice. When our candidates prepare for phone interviews wealways advise them to smile while talking – this gives their voice an air of enthusiasm. And so does standing up and walking around while on the phone. Try it. It works.
5. Clicking interruptions: The irritating delay caused by call-waiting is usually avoidable since most phone services allow you to temporarily disable this feature. I highly recommend this. Also, NEVER type on the computer during a phone interview. The recruiter on the other side of the line can hear every clickity clack.
6. Inattentive talker: Give your interviewer your full attention. Don’t be distracted by emails, doorbells or nature’s call. Make sure to deal with these potential distractions before your interview is scheduled.
7. Jabber jaws: Some people react to stressful situations by talking too much. Don’t feel the need to fill every moment of silence. The interviewer may be taking notes or collecting his/her thoughts. Once you answer the question clearly and concisely, just zip it.
8. Motor mouths: The sound and cadence of your voice is an easy thing to control yet so many job candidates overlook this. Remember to speak slowly …. And not too loudly or too softly. If your interviewer has to ask you to repeat yourself more than once, take the hint and adjust accordingly.
9. Quirky conversationalists: For some reason, many interviewees feel as though they need to show their strength and leadership by controlling the conversation. The key to an interview is to understand that it is a fact-finding mission. You have 2 ears and 1 mouth so you must listen more than you speak! Try not to stray off topic and if you do, recognize it, apologize and reel it back in. When you are able to gracefully return to the subject you were discussing you are exhibiting your self-awareness and self-control.
10. Gotta gos: Give yourself ample time when you are scheduling a phone interview; I would advise at least an hour, since it is not uncommon for a good interview to be lengthy. There’s nothing worse than sabotaging your success by having to cut off the interview because of scheduling conflicts.
11. Sales snafus: You’ve heard it before–an interview is a personal sales call. So when you’re done selling yourself don’t forget to close! Never hang up without understanding the next step in the processor asking the recruiter when you can meet in person. And don’t forget to follow up with a written thank you!
“Today’s preparation is tomorrow’s achievement.” Although the source of this quote is unknown, it is key to succeeding at the phone interview game. By recognizing these common foul-outs and creating your own strategy, you’re sure to score and WIN the job that’s right for you!
So, is it frowned upon if that thank you note is an email instead of snail mail? If it is considered “progressive” to interview via phone and skype, why do so many hold on to the notion that a written note is the only acceptable way to say thanks?
I’m trying to figure out what to say about personality conflicts or why I was terminated. I left one position because my supervisor and I didn’t get along from day one. I finally left because I just couldn’t stand it any longer.
I was also terminated from two positions where because they were located in a “right to work” state they weren’t required to say why. I think it may have been because I didn’t meet whatever quota (not stated on hiring btw) they had. How do I mention these things during a phone interview.
I also have an additional challenge because I was out of work for about a year because I was dealing with cancer. What do I say when a prospective employer asks about that gap?
I will gladly accept an email thank you note in lieu of snail mail. As an interviewer, I feel obliged to be sure my interviewee has my contact info.
And a request for similar tips to the interview team for phone and / or Skype interviews? Please and thank you
I feel that phone interviews try to trip you up. If you your not Mr. Smooth- you don’t have a chance. I hope that I am wrong.
Great article! Probably pretty eye opening for a few interviewees…