Phone vs. In-Person: How to Modify Your Interview Strategy

Employers use phone interviews to help screen candidates, save staff time and make sure that a particular candidate understands the job description. When you apply for a job with hundreds of candidates and make the first cut, chances are you have to go through a phone interview as the next step. Some interview skills are relevant for both a phone and in-person interview. You should alter a few strategies as you go from a phone interview to face time in an office.

Practice standard questions beforehand, no matter what kind of interview you have. Research the company, and know the names of the people you talk to during the interview. Know your qualifications, past work experience and relevant job skills. Dress the part by wearing business formal attire. Sit up straight, smile a lot, and sound enthusiastic.

During a phone interview, you must master having a conversation with someone you can't see. Give the person on the other end of the line time to speak, and listen to what he says. Respond after waiting a few seconds. Practice using your voice one hour beforehand, because this makes you sound clearer to the person on the other side of the conversation. Schedule the interview during the time of day when you are at your best.

When you sit before an HR manager in a room, you have some different concerns to think about during an interview. Know your nonverbal cues by maintaining eye contact with your interviewer and leaning forward to show interest. Groom yourself beforehand, and look sharp. During an in-person interview, you can create visual impressions just as easily as your attitude makes personable impressions. 

The key to every interview strategy is practice, practice and more practice. Once your phone and in-person interview skills become more second nature, you'll start to wow everyone you encounter.

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