Many of our clients have asked for help preparing for telephone screening interviews. Here are some tips for making them as successful as possible: 

Before the Interview

• Confirm the details of the call (date, time, who is initiating the call, etc.)
• Research the company
• Generate a short list of relevant questions

During the Interview 

• Make sure you are calling from a quiet, private, environment
• A landline phone may be preferable if you don't have excellent cell phone reception 
• Do not eat, drink, chew gum, etc.
• Keep water nearby
• Have paper and pen ready
• Have your résumé and/or short list of qualifications/skills that match the job description criteria
• Answer the phone by identifying yourself. "Hello. This is _______ speaking."
• Smile when you are speaking. This will make your voice sound more energetic and lively
• Speak slowly, clearly and loudly enough
• Avoid saying "um" when thinking or translating your thoughts
• Use your interviewer's title (Mr., Ms.) unless asked to use a first name
• Don't interrupt when the interviewer is speaking; jot down questions if necessary
• Provide short, succinct answers;  brief pauses to organize thoughts are acceptable
• At the end, ask when you can expect to hear from the company regarding the next step
• Thank the interviewer  

  After the Interview  

• Send a handwritten thank you note in a timely manner
• Write down some of the interview questions and your answers, as well as any questions you would like to ask at the face-to-face interview