While everybody in this day and age seems to dread phone calls, an over-the-phone interview can be fairly easy, providing that you stay calm, and follow these guidelines.
Before:
Before the date of your interview, research the company you're hoping to work for so that you're prepared if they ask you questions regarding what you know about the company or why you want to work there. I cannot stress enough how useful it will be to have a few notes before you pick up the phone. If there are any questions you've been asked in previous interviews that have thrown you, jot down an answer to those to avoid that happening again, as well as some commonly asked questions.
If you're feeling especially nervous, having a family member or friend go through a mock interview with you might be worthwhile so you get used to answering questions you haven't prepared for. Try to make the practice as realistic as possible so that you feel as ready as possible.
These are the dos and don'ts when having a telephone interview.
During:
Though it's difficult, try to convey yourself as confident. To do so, ensure you're in a comfortable, familiar (but quiet) environment without distractions. Rather than trying to multitask, focus on the person at the other end of the call and your breathing if you're feeling rather anxious.
Don't forget that you're trying to make yourself look like the perfect employee, so don't be self-deprecating – try to be the epitome of confidence instead. Speak up.
While you're talking, ensure that you're using correct grammar throughout. This is essential for many jobs, and you need to be understood by whoever is listening to you speak. If you have a thick accent, try to speak as clearly as possible, just in case the listener isn't familiar with your accent or dialect. When you answer, say "hello" instead of "hey" if you normally would. Also, remember to refer to the interviewer as 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' unless they have allowed you to refer to them by their forename.
Are you looking to start your brand? Use the tips listed in this article!
Be the best listener possible. Leave a second gap or so between the end of their sentence and your response so that you don't end up talking over the interviewer and coming across as rude or impatient. You need to seem attentive throughout, and patience is a virtue.
It may be useful to dress as though you're attending a face-to-face interview to be focused and in the correct mindset. Ensure you look well-kept: your hair, nails, makeup, etc. If you look the part, you'll feel the part. Sit up straight, too – this not only helps to create the atmosphere of a formal situation, but it also helps to make you sound better. Additionally, speaking with a smile on your face is a good idea. Although you might think you look ridiculous, people can hear you smile, ensuring you sound upbeat and enthusiastic about the position.
If it would put you at ease, make notes throughout the conversation so you don't miss anything important. The interviewer might ask you if you have any enquiries at the end of the call, and your notes would serve as a reminder of anything important you need to ask about.
For example, don't bombard them with questions about the salary, as those questions could be asked in a follow-up face-to-face interview. Instead, don't be afraid to ask what would follow your call. You can even ask for feedback on their opinion of you if it would reassure you, but you don't have to do this.
Referring back to confidence, don't show signs of hesitation. Saying "erm" or taking a long time to respond will make you seem unsure and unprepared. Instead, ask for a moment to think if you require it and even ask the interviewer to rephrase the question if you're sceptical.
Don't forget who you're talking to despite being on the phone. Colloquial vocabulary and inappropriate jokes are not acceptable, and neither is lying. Just because you're not in front of the person, it doesn't mean you can lie about your qualifications, skills, or medical records; you'd soon get found out.
Have you thought about doing an apprenticeship while studying? Let's talk about the benefits!
Summary:
Before the interview, thoroughly research the company and prepare notes with information about the company and potential questions they might ask. Practice with a friend or family member to get comfortable answering random questions.
Before the interview:
- Research the company and prepare notes with information and potential questions.
- Practice with a friend or family member to be prepared for unexpected questions.
During the interview, try to convey confidence by being in a quiet, comfortable environment with no distractions. Focus on the conversation and your breathing. Use proper grammar and speak clearly, especially if you have an accent. Address the interviewer respectfully unless instructed otherwise.
Be an attentive listener and avoid talking over the interviewer. Dress like a face-to-face interview to get in the right mindset and maintain a good posture. Smiling while speaking can help convey enthusiasm. Taking notes during the conversation can help you remember important points and questions to ask at the end. Avoid hesitation and ask for clarification if needed. Remember to maintain professionalism and avoid colloquial language or inappropriate jokes.
Finally, never lie about your qualifications or personal information, as it can be discovered later.
During the interview:
- Create a comfortable and quiet environment without distractions.
- Convey confidence through your tone and demeanour.
- Use proper grammar and speak clearly, especially if you have an accent.
- Address the interviewer respectfully unless instructed otherwise.
- Be an attentive listener and avoid talking over the interviewer.
- Dress professionally to get in the right mindset and maintain a good posture.
- Smile while speaking to convey enthusiasm.
- Take notes to remember important points and questions.
- Avoid hesitation and ask for clarification if needed.
- Maintain professionalism and avoid colloquial language or inappropriate jokes.
- Never lie about your qualifications or personal information.
Staying calm is the key to a successful phone interview. Be prepared, and you'll sail through the conversation. Portray yourself as the best version of yourself; that's all there is to it. Good luck!
Are you going to university in the fall? We'll help you pack!
Post by Georgia Foote.
Hi, I'm Georgia. I'm an oversized cardigan and makeup enthusiast who loves pouring my heart out on paper and watching The Handmaid's Tale on repeat.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
