Phone Interview Etiquette

Companies are now using phone interviews to screen applicants.  The Plain Dealer recently spoke with Chuck O’Brien, a senior consultant with Ratliff & Taylor about some tips for interviewees to keep in mind when interviewing via phone or Skype.

• Don’t use a speaker phone.
• Ensure that everyone in the house understands to keep accurate phone messages.
• Don’t use long or crazy voicemail messages.
• Have a specific time for the interview.
• Smile on the phone whenever you would be likely to smile if you were face-to-face.
• Don’t do ad lib, unprepared interviews.
• Keep answers to two or three minutes.
• Don’t be afraid of short pauses to help you think.
• Have questions ready for the interviewer.