6 ways to ruin a phone interview

Since a phone interview is usually an employer’s initial screening of a candidate, many job applicants think it isn’t as important as a face-to-face conversation.

I spoke with dozens of hiring managers who said they wish more candidates treated phone interviews like in-person meetings. Too many candidates breeze through the calls in their pajamas instead of being prepared as if it were the real thing.

After all, you have to impress during the phone screening to have a chance at the job!

I asked hiring managers about the top phone interview mistakes they see. If you want to make it to the next round of interviews, make sure you avoid these mistakes:

1. Your voice has no enthusiasm.

Hiring managers want to hear a strong, positive voice as soon as you answer the phone.

Answering with your name (“Hello, this is Bob”) can avoid initial awkwardness and help things move along. You’d be surprised how much a great start can shape the rest of the interview.