10 Quick Phone Interview Tips
Phone interviews can be tough. Experts suggest that 70% of all human communication is non-verbal. Body language, eye to eye contact, physical touch (handshake, etc) dress, facial expressions, etc. With the lack of visual communication, you must be able to rely on auditory feedback and be disciplined enough to keep focus.
With the following phone interviewing tips, we are confident that you will be able to handle the next phone call with confidence and without sweaty palms syndrome.
Phone Interview Preparation and Tips:
Purpose:
Why do companies perform phone interviews? Let us relate a quick story. I spoke with a business owner earlier this morning and he said that he received about 300 resumes for a particular opening. Out of the 300 resumes/responses to his opening he realized that 290 of them were a waste of his time. So the 10 remaining people are already at a disadvantage. The reason being that the hiring authority has diminished hope that he will find what he is looking for. Do these 10 people actually have skills or are they like the other 290? Companies do phone interviews (a.k.a phone SCREENS) in order to “screen” you. Are you qualified enough and fit the role enough in order for us, the company, to bring you in for a face to face. These interviews tend to be more tactical and logistical, meaning general skill set fit, general personality fit, geographical fit, compensatory fit, general job fit. If you are qualified and prepared, this is not a very difficult step in the process
Preparation “Luck comes to the prepared”
There are two main types of phone interviews – expected and unexpected. A misconception is that if someone calls you unexpectedly, it is OK to professionally re-schedule the call for later. It may even show that you are busy and want to ensure that you are better prepared. If you decide to take the call and in order to be prepared for the unexpected phone call, make sure you have access to proper materials handy and accessible. While looking for a job it is brilliant of you to always keep an updated copy of your resume on hand so that you can readily refer to it. It is only obvious that your resume will allow you to easily answer questions about your past accomplishments (% increased/decreased, $ saved/earned, # of people). Company research can help you quickly come up with a few questions for your interviewer. Having access to a CLEAN notepad and a crayon is probably a good bet as well.
For expected interviews, make sure you have a space set aside that is free of distractions. Keep a glass of water nearby in case you need to clear your throat, and of course, make sure to use the restroom before the call, not during. I have heard this done and I had to stop and ask, “did you just flush the toilet?” Again, have a copy of your resume and also any research you have done on the employer.
Tips
Know your comfort zone. Some people perform best in a quiet room, while others prefer to pace around. If sitting still is your style, a room free of distractions is best. If you are the type of person that likes to pace like crazy causing carpet patterns (like myself) consider determining a predefined route. This will help ensure that there are no outside noises or unexpected distractions like sirens. Make sure it is a leisurely walk so you can maintain calm breathing patterns.
Smile. Negativity or a uneasy attitude can easily show itself over a phone call. Before the interview, consider spending a few minutes listening to your favorite song or watching a funny video on YouTube. Your mood is transparent to the person on the other side of the phone. Smile while you are talking. It will boost your self confidence and attitude.
Absolutely ignore it if someone calls. Shut off other ringers, cell phones, alarms, sound on your computer, etc. These distractions will not rule you out by any means however will allow you to have better focus and listening skills. Almost any emergency can wait 30 minutes.
Enforce a dress code. A suit, pajamas, superman underwear or naked. Whatever makes you the most comfortable. On a serious note, properly dressing in at least a business casual attire will make a big difference in your ability to focus on the interview. This is a virtual meeting. Wearing the right clothes and taking a serious approach to the call will help you maintain a professional attitude regardless of your surroundings. If you wear earrings, remove them before the call. Many people tend to adjust the phone’s headset during a call. Chances are that the earrings will rub up against the mic creating an awkward, distracting noise for anyone on the call.
If you are taking the call on a cell phone, be mindful of signal strength, connectivity and sound quality. Sirens? Crowds? Wind? Wind noise will prevent you from hearing the questions and make it harder for them to hear your answers.
Listen. Without the visual communication of an in-person interview, it can be tough to know when to stop talking. If your nerves are high and your blood is flowing, you can easily make the mistake of saying too much. Make sure to speak slowly and articulately. We cover in The 10 Key Interviewing T.E.C.H.N.I.Q.U.E.S. how to effectively answer interview questions in 3 sentences or less. Apply that here. When you have answered the question, allow for that possibly uncomfortable moment of silence. This will let the interviewer know that you are through, and then they will proceed. Listen and wait for them to finish with their next question, and then proceed. Consider taking notes on the key aspects of each question.
Stand up. Stretching out your torso will allow you to have the full strength of your lungs. You will be able to speak more clearly and powerfully. A deeper, louder voice projects CONFIDENCE in yourself.
No chewing gum, cigarettes, food or other things that may interfere with talking. Mom’s rules apply. Practice makes perfect. As with all interviews, practicing before hand helps you prepare for common interview questions.
No speaker phone and if you have bluetooth, make sure you ask how the connection is first. I love bluetooth but at times it is difficult to hear what is being said.
Make sure to ask for your interviewers name and contact information. Follow up with a thank you email.
This is a lot of information to attempt to master. It takes time. Hopefully these tips will allow you to more confidently answer the phone with a smile and without the sweaty palms.
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