Five Surefire Ways to Mess Up Your Telephone Interview

Back when I was still working in the private sector as s a hiring manager, I got the impression that there’s a desperate need out there for this information.  Scoring a telephone interview is a HUGE opportunity for a candidate, since it’s a lot less stressful than personally sitting in front of a panel.  Think “Interview Lite!”  But anyway, if you’ve put in all the effort to make yourself a serious contender for a job with the federal government, the telephone interview is not the time for you to slack off.  These are some of my favorite ways that candidates tend to shoot themselves in the foot during a telephone interview:

1-       By not taking the call            

I don’t care how many creditors you owe money to:  If you have job applications out there, you’re in no position to be screening your calls!  Whatever phone number that you listed on your resume, make sure that the line is in service and that you actually answer it, even when it shows up as “unlisted” or “private number.”  And if you’re working day shifts at your current job and the boss doesn’t allow personal calls at work, make certain that your voicemail service is set up and working.  Also, stick to a professional-sounding recorded greeting (that means no “Whazzup?”, no music in the background, and no nicknames).  Last, since most government agencies are somewhat impersonal until you’re on the inside, you should get in the habit of keeping a pen and notepad with you, so you can copy down exactly WHO you spoke to. 

2-      By taking the call on a cell phone.  While driving.  And eating a cheeseburger.

While I always recommend holding phone interviews on a land line instead of a cell phone, sometimes it’s unavoidable.  That’s okay, they’ll understand.  After all, they have a day job too.  But if you do have to use your cell phone, make sure to put a little thought into the call.  Go somewhere without any background noise.  Your car is great, as long as it’s not moving.  The wind noise is distracting, plus knowing that you’re driving makes an interviewer feel like they don’t have your undivided attention.  And even if you have to make a phone interview during your lunch hour, DON’T EAT while you’re talking!  Tell the manager that you only have a set amount of time before you have to be back to work, and stick to it.  That way you’ll still have a few minutes to grab a bite, your future boss will see what a dedicated employee you are, and you won’t be remembered as the guy who talked about his past experience through a Big Mac. 

3-      Don’t say anything.

“Yup.”  “Uh-huh.”  “Nope, no questions from me, sir.”    Look, dude:  If you get a call, it’s because some manager is seriously interested in what you have to say!  If they wanted to hear themselves talk, they’d probably just hold a conference call.  The telephone interview is your chance to talk about yourself, so make the most of it.  Sure, your resume looks great, but there’s no way that you could possibly fit all of your experience into USAJOBS.  Make sure to tell the manager what he’s not seeing.  When they ask about a previous job, BRIEFLY mention your experience again, and then go on to explain how those skills will help you in the new job.

4-       Don’t come prepared

You’d be surprised how many folks tend to freeze up under pressure, and even a simple interview question might throw them entirely off base.  For example, what if a recruiter wants to know more about one of your previous assignments, since the skills are similar to the position you’re applying for?  Well, just like anything else in life, you’ll always perform better if you prepare in advance and keep the proper equipment close at hand.  Always have a copy of your resume and cover letter in front of you when you call in for an interview, to help refresh your memory.  If you’re on the road or at your regular job, or there’s a chance you might get called without prior notice, keep an extra copy in your car.

5-      By talking down about the job before you even have it.

Employees gripe, okay?  That’s a given on any job.  A lot of beefs are legitimate, and working for the government is no exception!  But remember, during an interview, an applicant is supposed to be asking to come to work for a company.  That being said, make sure to act like you want the job.  If the salary or pay band is lower than you expected, it’s okay to ask about performance-based pay raises or if there’s any room for negotiation with your steps, but be as polite as possible.  Don’t blow your chances at an opportunity to build your career, when the most important thing is to get your foot in the door!