When screening a large group of job applicants, employers have been adopting the use of phone interviews. Phone interviews are an important part of the hiring process. It’s a company’s first impression of a candidate, assisting in determining whether you will be brought in for a face to face meeting.
It is important that you are prepared for one at any time because you may or may not receive a head’s up about a phone interview. A hiring manager may call simply to chat about your qualifications after reviewing your resume. If you are currently in the market for a job, here are a few tips that may be helpful when facing a phone interview:
- · Stand up: Interviewers will notice if you appear to have a strong and confident demeanor. Although it seems odd, a standing posture will bolster this perception which an employer will definitely notice.
- · Um’s and Er’s: You want to practice not using the word “um” as much as possible. Also, avoid excessive throat clearing. These may pose to be distracting and make you appear uncertain and insecure.
- · Basic phone courtesy: You should avoid chewing gum, eating, or smoking at all costs. Although a casual sip of water is acceptable, these other habits are just rude and inconsiderate and leave a bad impression.
- · Smiling: When you smile your voice can actually change, portraying a more upbeat and personable personality.
- · Friendliness: Always be friendly but not too casual. You want to impress the interviewer but not be unprofessional.
- · To the point: After taking a few seconds to gather your thoughts, you want to keep your answers brief and applicable. Also, remember to allow them to finish speaking before you answer.
- · Thank You: End every phone interview by thanking them. At this time, you may ask if you can meet in person and set a time and date.
Jotting down a few notes after you hang up is always a good idea. You can analyze which questions you feel you did good on and the ones you might be able to improve. This will help the next time you get a phone interview. Also, remember to send a thank you note. This will communicate how enthusiastic you are about the position.
Have you ever had a phone interview? What do you think are other important things? Let me know in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for ManhattanJobsBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for ManhattanJobsBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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