When an Employer Calls, Here's How to Answer

Are You a Good Communicator?
The telephone became an interview tool in the early 1990s—and employers continue to screen job candidates this way because it costs less and it is less time consuming—phone interviews average 30 minutes versus an hour or more for a face-to-face interview.

A telephone interview can be like an open-book test. You may have the answers in front of you (see #2 below), but you need to know the material thoroughly to do well.

Employers hope to catch you unprepared in order to see if you can think on your feet and if you have superior communication skills. So, if you're prepared for the call, you'll ace the test.

Here are some tips from NACE career counselor members on preparing for a successful telephone interview.

Do these things ahead of time:

1. Turn off distractions. Have your phone in a quiet room—away from radio, television, family, roommates, or anything else that may make noise or take your attention away from your task.

2. Gather your tools by the phone.

• Resume
• Pen and paper to jot the interviewer(s) name(s) down immediately and to take notes during the interview
• Company research (with relevant information highlighted)
• Questions to ask about the company and position
• A loosely written outline of points to make or items to cover as you talk about the position
• Comfort items: tissues, a glass of water

Do these things at interview time:

3. If the employer sets up an appointment in advance, dress the part for the interview. Experts say if you're dressed in a professional manner, you'll speak that way. If an employer calls and wants to do the interview right away (instead of setting up an appointment), excuse yourself politely and offer to call back in five minutes. This will give you time to make the psychological switch from whatever you are doing to your professional demeanor.

4. If you have call waiting, turn it off. (Your telephone book will have the instructions on how to do this on a per call basis).

5. Stand up to talk. Your position affects the quality of your voice. If you are sitting down relaxing, you don't project the same readiness and intensity as you do if you stand up.

6. Talk only when necessary. Since you lack the visual cues of body language to assess whether you've said enough, mark the end of your response with a question, such as "Would you like more details of my experience as an intern with XYZ Company?"

7. Let the employer end the interview. Then you should say "Thank you for your time," and reiterate your interest in the position. If you perform well on the telephone, you'll probably be invited to interview with a hiring manager on site.