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Getting Through The Phone Interview
Particularly in these tight economic times, many companies are using telephone interviews to screen potential candidates before bringing them in for a face to face interview. Although the thought of talking on the telephone with a complete stranger may be intimidating, particularly when that person holds the key to your employment, don't let it reduce you to a gibbering wreck. This is something you can handle and doing it well will put you in good stead for an actual interview.
Keep the following things in mind so that you will be able to pass a telephone interview with flying colors:
As the time approaches for the interviewer's call, have your resumé beside your phone for reference. Just having all your key employment information in front of you will help reduce your anxiety about forgetting something important or getting details confused.
Have paper and pencil so you can take notes. Particularly if you are called in for an in-person interview, you will want to have recorded any information the interviewer has mentioned to you.
Be sure to disable call waiting options or any other features that may disturb you while taking the call.
Eliminate any sources of distracting noise that are under your control. While you can't do anything about train whistles or emergency vehicle sirens, make sure to mute the television and stereo, put noisy pets in another room, and arrange child care for small children.
Avoid eating or drinking anything during an interview. If an interview is very long, it is acceptable to take a sip of water now and then. Have the glass or bottle already by the telephone so you do not have to interrupt the flow of the interview. Even if you are using a cordless or wireless handset you can carry with you, the sounds of refrigerator doors and faucets will detract from your ability to make a good impression.
When the phone rings, take a deep breath, say to yourself that you are going to get this job, and pick up the receiver. Answer it in a businesslike manner, even if you are at home. Be sure to state your name.
Speak slowly and clearly in your normal voice. Avoid affected tones or pronunciations.
Address the interviewer politely.
Although the interviewer cannot see you, you need to act as if you are talking face-to-face. Even if he or she cannot see your mouth smile, your voice will show it. You may even wish to dress in your interviewing suit if it will help you feel more focused.
Listen carefully to not only the interviewer's words, but the pauses between them. They are often your best indicators to when the interviewer is handing the conversational ball over to you. Never interrupt the interviewer, but equally avoid lengthy pauses -- they can make you look incompetent or deceitful.
Answer all questions thoroughly but concisely. Avoid unnecessary digressions or explanations, but also avoid one-word answers, which can make you sound uncouth.
Be sure to thank the interviewer for his or her time.
By carefully following these points, you will be able to make a good impression on phone interview.
