Increasingly Phone Interviews are being used at second and even third interview stages & sometimes as a screening tool to determine who will be successful for a face to face interview. So you definitely don’ want to be underprepared at these crucial stages
Phone interviews are definitely on the rise. With busy schedules the norm for both employers and prospective employees, the Phone Interview is becoming a more time savvy option.
Here are some suggestions for acing your next phone interview:
1.Prepare yourself
It is still an interview even though it is over the phone. In the case of an initial or 1st interview, research the company and the interviewer, read the job spec, make a note of some intelligent questions to ask about the role or company. Don’t focus overly on the salary.
If it is a 2nd or 3rd interview you are completing, ensure you know the name and position title of whom you will be speaking with and have done some research on their background- information you learn may be handy to drop into your conversation at a later stage.
Try to reiterate what it is that interests you about the role and company and try to highlight any previous skills or experience that will help you excel in the position.
Avoid eating whilst on the phone. It will distort your diction.
2. Prepare your surroundings
Place yourself in a quiet room and ensure those around you know you are in an interview and not to interrupt and keep noise to a minimum. If at home, try giving your dog a bone to amuse it so you are not interrupted with constant barking. If you have kids, perhaps ask a friend, relative or neighbour to watch them.
Have a glass of water handy in case your voice gets dry.
If you are on a land line, place your mobile on silent in another room to avoid temptation and distraction if it rings. Ensure you have a pen and paper handy to take down any notes or questions that may arise.
3. Technical
Ensure a clear line connection before you begin. Call a friend just prior to check the clarity of the connection. When you start the interview if these things are not right, ask to stop the call and redial.
Adjust the volume so you can hear the interviewer. Keep in mind how you will handle the situation if something goes wrong, either technical or a disturbance – your potential employer will be monitoring your reaction and trouble shooting ability under pressure, so you don’t want to be swearing and cursing or overly flustered.
4. During the call
Relax – this can be hard when you are alone in a room. Portray you are listening by vocalising yourself, saying “yes” “okay” etc. Don’t over talk or talk over the interviewer, make sure they have finished their sentence before you respond. Keep in mind there is sometimes a delay in sound coming through.
If the interview is going well and you are interested in the role, try to convey your interest to the employer. It is not always easy for an employer to ascertain your level of interest over the phone unless you tell them! Often it is enthusiasm over skills and experience that will land you the position in the end!
5. Notes
Have notes or questions in front of you. However it is extremely IMPORTANT that they are in bullet form and scannable at a glance so you don’t get lost and become flustered. A few key points to jog your memory are advisable.
Like anything in life, if you do your homework and preparation beforehand, relax and enjoy the experience, your phone interview will be a success!