Sometimes one of the most satisfying feelings in the world of the unemployed broke, and the surviving on ramen is when the phone rings and it’s someone ready to give you that first chance; Often, this first chance might take the form of phone job interview.  Well, this isn’t ideal, but it sure is better than nothing, and for the companies that do this it is a first crucial step.

While it may feel like less pressure because it is over the phone, there are a few ways you can screw this critical appointment up, so keep in mind these 5 hidden dangers in phone job interview.

1.  Realize it May Last 15-45 Minutes
This means if you accept phone job interview, you better have the time.  The last thing you to do is rush answers or get off the phone early because you didn’t have time to finish.

Allocate up to an hour just in case.  There’s a chance they might call you out of the blue while you’re sitting on the toilet and ask if you’re available right then and there.  It’s always better if you are able to grab the opportunity, but if you’ve only got 20 minutes, it might be just better to reschedule.

2.  You’re Being Screened for the Real Deal

What a lot of hung-over college kids don’t stop to consider is that phone job interview is really just a way to screen out the candidates they don’t want to come into the office.  Keeping that in mind, realize the aim is to find out if you fit the basic criteria for the job.

This is where your research comes in, and it’s best to have a board set up in your home or a notebook you can carry with you that lists specific information about the jobs you’re currently pursuing, what they are looking for, and how you can communicate that.  Go over this stuff before your interview and make sure you pass the screening.

3.  Consistent Answers

Another thing the phone job interview serves as is a bull-shit test.  It’s pretty easy for them to have your resume and application on hand while they’re talking to you, and they will be sure to check if the answers are consistent.  It’s best to not be a bull-shitter at all, but keep a copy of the particular resume you gave that employer on hand just in case.

4.  Enthusiasm and Interest

Your employer will also be paying attention to your level of enthusiasm about the job.  Get excited about it.  Get pumped.  It doesn’t mean you should start spazzing out and asking them to fax you an autograph, but come across as exited and determined, as if you feel the job is the right fit for you and you are the right fit for the job.  Once you have some solid interviewing skills under your belt, you shouldn’t be pursuing any jobs that aren’t your idea of a dream job, so it shouldn’t’ be a problem to be enthusiastic.

5.  Relevant Questions

As some relevant questions about the position at the end of the call.  This once again displays your enthusiasm.  It also shows that you understand the position and know what you are getting yourself into.

These tips will help you navigate phone job interview, but the overlying concept and something to keep in mind is that these are really not much more than a screening process.

The number one goal you should have in mind when in this situations is getting that face-to-face interview.  Because that’s where true attraction and personal bonding happens.

This is why doing well on a phone job interview is sooo very important.

Do you have any other tips to add?  Any awkward moments? Please share your phone job interview experiences in the comments below!

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