How should I prepare for a phone interview?
More specifically, are there any major differences between interviewing over the phone and interviewing face-to-face with an employer?
#interviews #phone-etiquette
7 answers
Frank’s Answer
Be extra cognizant of your tone and energy, the interviewer will want to hear your passion which is harder to convey over the phone than when you are in person. Answer questions with specific examples, but phone interviews are typically more high level so be concise and be careful to not ramble. You are likely speaking with a gate-keeper who is trying to "check off" that you meet the basic requirements of the job, but it is still important to sell yourself and your personality. Be engaged, ask thoughtful questions that shows you are thinking critically and are excited about the role. Moreover, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Find out everything you can about both the company and the role, tailor your answers to show that you are truly interested in this exact job and that you ALREADY fit in with the company culture. This will go a long way to impressing the person on the other end of the phone as they likely speak with a ton of applicants who are just going through the motions.
Megan’s Answer
Phone interviews can be tricky. Remember that most communication is non-verbal (the numbers vary but generally run from 60%-90%) and you lose that capability over the phone. For that reason, you need to make sure that your tone and responses make up for the lack of ability to fully communicate with the individual. The other thing is that phone interviews are generally the first gate in getting to the "real" interviews. You may be interviewed by an HR person who has no clue about what they are asking about. My first phone interview for a job I eventually got was done by someone who said, "Oh hey, what about that EDI?" They clearly had no clue what EDI was or what they were asking. So I tried to make them comfortable and asked them if they'd like me to explain to them what Electronic Data Interchange was. They were very relieved and said, "Oh yes!" It was an ice breaker which then made it more like a conversation. And you want that person to be a friendly because they will be the one who determines if you get to the next level. As to other preparation, just be prepared to be yourself and articulate your value and skills. And if it doesn't work out, it wasn't the right thing for you and something else will come along.
Good luck!
Megan
Poonam’s Answer
Here are the best preparation tips for telephonic interview:
Telephonic interviews are a common these days. Apparently, they seem to be easy as you are not facing the interviewer.
Yet, many get jitters even during a round of telephonic interview.
Want to know the best part?
Post reading this article, you would face a telephonic interview with more confidence. That’s because, as a part of interview skills training we are going to share with you a few tips for telephonic interview These would help you to impress the interviewer.
1. LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE THING:
Good listening skills are necessary amid a telephonic interview.
At the point when the interviewer fires a question, let him finish it first and afterwards ask him whatever you need to.
The interviewer should be at comfort with your responses. He ought not feel as though you are ignoring him.
On the off chance that you pose a question in between, it might cut the flow of the interview and the interviewer’s temperament.
Amid the discussion, your voice tone ought to be soft and gradual. Interviewer ought not feel that you are overpowering him/her.
2. DO NOT FORGET TO RECORD THE INTERVIEW:
for more tips: Telephonic interview tips
Troy’s Answer
Jonathan’s Answer
I've had to do one and I needed to make sure i sounded confident, and they knew i wanted this job. Being able to respond questions about the business your applying for helps a lot and also knowing what you can bring to the table. Speaking clearly and making sure to not be afraid to ask them to repeat the question
Jonathan recommends the following next steps:
Jonathon’s Answer
Prepare first and foremost with no distractions or noises. Find the quietest room where you can talk freely and openly, at a normal conversational tone. Have your CV/Resume on hand so you can follow along with the interviewer, and gather at least 5 questions you'd like to ask the interviewer regarding your position. Questions show interest. Think hard before the interview for your questions, too, don't ask something that can be answered with a quick internet search. Also remember to research the company a little, know something about its history, sales, products, etc. Then during the call, remember to be professional, but relaxed, and on point. They will probably start off conversationally, keep conversation light, and be personable. Once the questions begin, answer them concisely, and fully. Try not to ramble, but thoroughly sell yourself. Don't exaggerate. Confidence is awesome, just don't be too confident. Keep all of this in mind and you'll do fine.