I recently applied for a position and was quickly contacted for a “telephone interview”. I’m good at interviewing, so I thought it would be even easier and less stressful than a regular interview. Actually, I blew it! I was stuttering, lost my train of thought several times – what should I do next time, press them for a person-to-person interview?

Even though the telephone has been with us for more than 100 years, and is an essential business tool, few people have actually mastered the etiquette of good telephone protocol, so don’t underestimate the power of the telephone as a communication medium.

Dialing for Dollars – The telephone interview

The telephone interview is used by employers primarily as a prescreening tool, to try to eliminate candidates who may appear suitable on paper, but may not be appropriate for the position for which they are hiring. This can save them time and money in the hiring process. They are unlikely to get into the same level of detail as an in-person meeting, but then again, they might. They are not likely to want to change it for a face-to-face meeting either. The key is to be prepared for any contingency, just as you would for any other interview scenario.

Be prepared and do your homework

If you receive a call out of the blue, asking for an immediate interview over the telephone, always try to defer and set up a time that will allow you to adequately prepare. Always try to choose a location for yourself that will be free from all distractions (barking dogs, loud children, TVs, etc.). A home office is perfect.

Before the interview, research the organization, review the position details, and review your strengths and accomplishments. Dress appropriately – when professional radio announcers first performed on-air, they wore formal dress. Our research has shown that dressing appropriately (i.e. the same attire you would use for an in-person interview) can help you to convey a professional image during the interview. In the same manner, you should smile when you want to project a confident, positive image – believe it or not, it comes through over the phone.

The Good, The Bad, and The Headset

There certainly are distinct advantages and disadvantages to telephone interviews, but many of the very same advantages can be disadvantages also, and vice versa. For examples, you don’t have to worry that you have spinach stuck in your teeth, but because of the obvious lack of visual cues, it can be harder to determine if you are responding appropriately to questions, and the critical cue of eye contact is lost.

The major advantage of a telephone interview is that you can have your interview notes with you to read if needed, although it is usually better not to use them, unless in an emergency situation. Remember that sound travels well and shuffling papers can definitely be heard. You also don’t have to worry about finding the interview location, traffic problems, car issues, spilling coffee on your shirt before the interview, etc.

Even though you may be tempted to be more relaxed and be dressed casually (since they can’t see you, right?), you should still dress as if you were going to a more traditional interview. You’ll be amazed at how much more professional and confident you feel and sound.

Consider using a good quality headset to free up your hands – dropping the receiver can be very disconcerting and throw you off very quickly. At the time of the interview, always answer the telephone professionally, with something like “Pat Smith speaking”.

Treating it the same, but different

Telephone interviews should be treated much like any other interview, with the obvious exception that the visual dimension is not present. You may even want to go to the extent of visualizing an imaginary interviewer in front of you as you answer the questions. The same questions you normally hear in face-to-face interviews are certainly possible, so be prepared for anything. Unfortunately, you were caught in a situation in which you were unprepared for the intricacies of this special type of interview, and you are wise to try to learn from this experience for the next time.

Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is Past President and Treasurer of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.