A telephone interview – no doubt – will happen at some point in your job search as most employers will use the phone to screen you for a potential job. Employers use the telephone as a way to save money and time when narrowing down the field of candidates and most likely you will experience a phone screening before you meet face to face with an interviewer.
Telephone interviews are wonderful opportunities for you to explore the interests of the employer and discuss your skills with a person instead of communicating through an online process. It’s your first chance to build rapport; however’ some people find phone interviews more nerve wrecking because you miss the instant feedback of non-verbal indicators that help you gauge your progress.
The best way to have an effective interview is to plan for them ahead of time just like a face-to-face meeting. Job candidates who struggle with phone interviews usually do so in a number of ways:
• Answering the phone unprepared from an unexpected employer or recruiter who is responding to their application.
• Allow interview jitters to take over and convey an awkward impression by not clearly communicating.
• Accept an invitation to interview by phone without taking the time to anticipate questions, conduct research or know their value as a candidate.
Keep in mind the most important factor during a phone interview is your ability to hear and it is difficult to have a successful discussion when dogs are barking and cars are honking in the background. Having some control over when and where you can talk by phone is important for your self-confidence as well as your ability to clearly discuss the job opportunity.
Answering a call in the middle of a grocery store isle or at work could prevent you from letting your personality come through, even though some candidates are afraid if they miss a call they might lose the opportunity. You could answer it and make another meeting at a later time where you can focus.
Your goal is to turn a phone interview into a meeting with the interviewers who will ultimately offer you the job. In order to move forward you need to pass the phone screening interview first.
Candidates who successfully pass phone screenings rely on several techniques such as:
Displaying all of their information and research about the company in front of them.
Choosing when to accept the call and where it will take place
Highlighting skills listed on the job posting and matching them to their resume.
Keeping a list of good questions and key skills to describe their value.
In dealing with interview jitters, some candidates find that standing rather than sitting down when talking helps bring energy to their voice. When people get tense, especially in trying to anticipate questions while making a good impression, the first thing they lose is their smile. Smiling conveys a number of things, one of which is to project a pleasant tone. If you sense you are getting nervous consider keeping a mirror close by so you can monitor your smile.
The phone at times can be somewhat challenging with signal strengths and connections, listen carefully to the questions and – as with all interviews – make sure you understand what the interviewer is asking before giving an answer. If you need a moment to reply make sure you tell that to the interviewer rather than having a long silent pause leaving them to guess.
The best answers for interview questions are always backed up with examples that support your skills and value. Do your best to refrain from using “yes or no” answers that keeps the interviewer asking for more instead consider using results that speaks to the employer’s needs.
It’s always a good idea to use the phone interview as a way to find out more about the position and build rapport, as well as gather information about the role and needs of the company. As the interview draws to a close you want to convey your interest in the job as well as inquire about the next steps. When following up with a thank-you note, make reference to the highlights of the interview, so it shows you were listening and care about the employer’s needs.
What are your thoughts on phone interviews? Do you find them easier than face to face meetings?
