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I can’t stand talking on the phone. I don’t know if it’s because I overdosed on phone calls during my high school years, or my disdain for the evolution 
from dependable land lines to the ever unpredictable cell phone (this probably has a lot to do with my cow-town-no-tower upbringing.)
Despite my distaste for telephonic chit chat, I somehow have developed a knack for it. Daily conversations over the years with stakeholders, counterparts, customers and peers have enabled me to get a feel for people’s reactions based on their voice, and how to steer a discussion the path I want it to take.
Outside of work, talking on the phone is like having dental surgery without any of the fun numbing stuff.
Job interviews are always stressful, but to me, phone interviews are more daunting than in person. I can’t 
guide the conversation since I don’t know all of the details, and I’m at the mercy of the next question coming from the other end of the line. On the phone you have to avoid awkward long pauses where at least in person, I can throw in a witty or smart comment while I rattle through the list of optimal responses in my head.
To help other phone-aphobes (honestly thought I just made this up but there are others like me and even a hashtag!) like me, I’ve compiled a list of 10 steps to nailing the dreaded phone interview, and land you the in person! Project Introvert Interview has begun!
1. The Initial Call
When the company first calls you to set up the interview, give yourself a few days time for research and preparation – Unless you are on a first name basis with the owner and know the company’s history like it was your own, you’ll need some time to pre-game.
Make sure you get the details of the position you are being interviewed for. If you applied for more than one, make sure you know which one you are going to be talking about!
2. Research and Preparations
a. You’ve scheduled the call and you know the position you are in the running for. Now its time to compare the position’s specific requirements to your skill-set (which you’ve done most of the heavy lifting on your cover letter right?!)
b. Research the company history, so that you can show you’ve done your “due diligence” and are familiar with the company’s strengths. In the conversation you’ll want to point to a specific company fact you learned, and how your abilities will help.
c. You’ll also want to look up the recruiter on LinkedIn, so you can picture the person you are talking to on the phone (Don’t mention any specifics that you’ve learned on their account that they don’t offer up or it might be a smidge creepy and Big-Brotherish.)
3. Prepare a list of solid questions
a. It is very important that you ask meaningful questions to show your interest in not only the position but in the company. Some example questions include:
- Questions about the customer / client
- How the company assess an employee’s strengths / weaknesses from year to year
- How soon they are looking to fill the position
- When they are available to meet in person to discuss the position further.
4. 
Setting the Stage
Research is done! Now for preparing the interview itself! Be sure you have a quiet location where you can focus and not be distracted. Make sure there isn’t any ambient noise from the workplace or outside, as it will cause anxiety when you need to sound confident and sure. Organize your notes and highlight the important things you know you need to say.
5. Use a land line
I’m not kidding. I still think everyone should have one. It’s been on our to-do list since we bought our house so in the meantime I’ve driven to someone else’s house to use their phone to avoid having a call dropped or static.
6. Energize!
Drink coffee or eat something sweet (not condoning sugar, PALEO BABY!) so you will be energized and sound upbeat on the call. Not too much to the point you sound like a crazy person, but somewhere between Prince Valium and the Tasmanian Devil.
7. Hydrate
Now that you are jacked up on caffeine…..Have water ready in case you get verklempt with a tricky question.
8. Just Say No to Salary Specifics
Try to avoid answering specific salary questions. If you can avoid telling the hiring manager how much you currently make or exactly what your range is you are going to have less trouble negotiating details later on. Step one is showing this new company how awesome you are, then later you can show them the price tag of what it’ll take to get you to sign on.
9. Think Happy Thoughts
Peter Pan knew what was up. Do your best Pixie impression by smiling and remaining excited throughout the call – this can be challenging while answering tricky questions, but make an effort to convey your excitement through the phone.
10. Finish Strong
Wrap up the call thanking the person for their time, briefly reiterate a strong point as to why you would be an ideal fit, and allude to the in person
interview once more. By this time you should have a feel for if the person is interested in moving forward or if it’s not an ideal fit.
Hanging up after a phone interview victory is a beautiful thing. I typically basque in the wave of relief and diminishing aftermath of adrenaline.
If you didn’t schedule the “in person” interview while on the phone call, be sure to follow up the next day via email thanking them again for their time, and telling them you are looking forward to the next opportunity to tell them more reasons why they should hire you and give you lots of money….well, something like that.
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