Career Services - Connecting UMass Amherst students, alumni and employersJob Listings
Photo banner of people working
About Career Services
Calendar
Career Planning and Exploration
Internships
Your Job Search
gradstudents
Information for Alumni
Information for Faculty and Staff
Information for Parents and Families
Information for Employers

Questions? We're here to help.careerservices@umass.edu

(413) 545-2224

Phone & Skype Interviews

Phone Interviews

A phone interview may be a preliminary interview to screen candidates, or it may the primary interview itself. You should approach a phone interview as formally as you would an interview on site, preparing as we recommend above.

Because of the unique nature of a phone interview, there are a few other guidelines you should consider:

  • Smile as you speak—it will change the tone of your voice to make you sound positive and enthusiastic.
  • Make sure to have your resume, cover letter, and the job description in front of you.
  • If you dress appropriately and sit at a desk or table, it will remind you that this is not a casual conversation.

For more details and advice on phone interviews, go to the CollegeGrad.com or Brazen Careerist.

Skype Interviews

Be sure to treat a Skype interview as an in-person interview. Dress up and have your resume/questions for the employer/job announcement there in front of you. But further, make sure your computer is charged/or plugged in, and that the background that will appear behind you is bland or blank. And yes, you still need to send a thank you afterwards.