anomericas
Active member
For all those out there that have engaged in phone interviews and either excelled or failed, give me some tips! I've never done a phone interview before, but I really want this job.
Got a phone interview, tips?
- Thread starter anomericas
- Start date
nickyp
Active member
Try and recreate a real interview environment as closely as possible. Sit at a desk, smile, speak eloquently, put on some smart clothes. It will put you in an interview mindset.
Also, I find it helpful to print off a picture of "a business man", and place it opposite you, so you have something to focus on, and speak at.
Kind of weird I know, but it will help.
Also, I find it helpful to print off a picture of "a business man", and place it opposite you, so you have something to focus on, and speak at.
Kind of weird I know, but it will help.
DHogg
Active member
What sort of job is it for? A graduate job?
#1: Differentiate yourself. Stand out from the rest. Something you have done which other may not have is a good start.
Use examples of things you have done in the past which relate to the role you are applying for. Prove to them that you have the skills required for the job.
Always try and relate questions back to past experiences.
Be prepared for questions such as "what would you do in this situation.." -answer it broadly and from different angles. If you are too narrow it is easier to find flaws and ask more questions.
Strengths: try to only talk about strengths which relate to the job
Weaknesses: You will most likely be asked this questions, so be prepared for it and have a good answer. Don't use the word weakness in your answer.
Ask questions.Research the company you are applying for and have a decent knowledge of what they do and have done. Asking questions indicates that you are interested about the job, and that you are want to learn.
Thats all I have for now. Hope it helps.
#1: Differentiate yourself. Stand out from the rest. Something you have done which other may not have is a good start.
Use examples of things you have done in the past which relate to the role you are applying for. Prove to them that you have the skills required for the job.
Always try and relate questions back to past experiences.
Be prepared for questions such as "what would you do in this situation.." -answer it broadly and from different angles. If you are too narrow it is easier to find flaws and ask more questions.
Strengths: try to only talk about strengths which relate to the job
Weaknesses: You will most likely be asked this questions, so be prepared for it and have a good answer. Don't use the word weakness in your answer.
Ask questions.Research the company you are applying for and have a decent knowledge of what they do and have done. Asking questions indicates that you are interested about the job, and that you are want to learn.
Thats all I have for now. Hope it helps.
Bryan*
Active member
here you go man i hope you get the job good luck
DO:
Smile while you speak. It may feel silly, but smiling shows up in your voice.
Stand up. It removes pressure from your diaphragm and gives your voice more resonance.
Choose a quiet room. No dogs barking, kids whining, music playing, lawnmowers mowing, or TV blaring in the background.
Tape your résumé and whatever notes you'll use (say, lists of your accomplishments and strengths) on the wall so you can consult them without having to look down, which can muffle your voice.
Have pen and paper handy, along with your calendar (maybe they’ll want to schedule a follow-up!)
Remember that your interviewer can’t see you. If you pause to make a note, don’t let the silence stretch out. You might say, for example, “Just one second, please, while I write that down.”
If a switchboard operator or an assistant connects you to the interviewer, be nice to that person. Word gets around.
Whether you use a land or cell line, test your phone connection with a friend. Choose a phone you can hold to your ear comfortably. If you use a headset or speaker phone, make sure you are not unconsciously shouting.
Do a practice interview with your friend. Ask if you say “um” a lot (which is even more annoying on a phone than in real life), or if you speak too slowly or quickly, or if your voice is too loud or too soft. Taping yourself is another good way to get an idea of how you come off.
Try setting up a mirror in your phone-interview room. Sounds crazy, but having a human face to talk to may help you to speak with more passion and conviction. Try it!
If you have time, just before the call, take a series of long deep breaths. Say a few practice phrases, slowly and in a slightly deeper register than your normal voice.
Be prepared. A prospective employer may call when you least expect it. Yes, you can ask to reschedule at a more convenient time but showing you are flexible and can think on your feet is not a bad way to impress people. Keep your phone-interview area set up and ready to go.
Close the interview by trying to set up an in-person meeting. It’s that old sales technique of “asking for the sale.”
[See the best way to quit your job.]
DON’T: (Most of these should go without saying but let’s say them anyway.)
Don’t eat, drink, chew gum, spit tobacco, smoke, sniffle, belch, or blow your nose. If you absolutely must sneeze, hold the phone as far away as possible, briefly apologize, and turn the conversation back to the interview. (Don’t say, “Whoa, what a honkin’ sneeze!”)
Don’t put your interviewer on hold to answer an incoming call.
Don’t talk to other people in the room. (Try to be alone when you’re interviewing.)
Don’t monopolize the conversation. This is also true for in-person interviews, but on the phone you lack visual cues to tell you when your listener is zoning out. Practice speaking in two-minute increments (use an egg timer, or the timer on your microwave).
Don’t interrupt. If you accidentally speak over your interviewer, quickly apologize and let him finish.
Don’t fail to realize that a phone interview is as formal as an in-person interview. A phone call may feel casual but—beware!—you are being judged and you need to sound professional. If it helps, try “dressing up” for your phone interview.
DO:
Smile while you speak. It may feel silly, but smiling shows up in your voice.
Stand up. It removes pressure from your diaphragm and gives your voice more resonance.
Choose a quiet room. No dogs barking, kids whining, music playing, lawnmowers mowing, or TV blaring in the background.
Tape your résumé and whatever notes you'll use (say, lists of your accomplishments and strengths) on the wall so you can consult them without having to look down, which can muffle your voice.
Have pen and paper handy, along with your calendar (maybe they’ll want to schedule a follow-up!)
Remember that your interviewer can’t see you. If you pause to make a note, don’t let the silence stretch out. You might say, for example, “Just one second, please, while I write that down.”
If a switchboard operator or an assistant connects you to the interviewer, be nice to that person. Word gets around.
Whether you use a land or cell line, test your phone connection with a friend. Choose a phone you can hold to your ear comfortably. If you use a headset or speaker phone, make sure you are not unconsciously shouting.
Do a practice interview with your friend. Ask if you say “um” a lot (which is even more annoying on a phone than in real life), or if you speak too slowly or quickly, or if your voice is too loud or too soft. Taping yourself is another good way to get an idea of how you come off.
Try setting up a mirror in your phone-interview room. Sounds crazy, but having a human face to talk to may help you to speak with more passion and conviction. Try it!
If you have time, just before the call, take a series of long deep breaths. Say a few practice phrases, slowly and in a slightly deeper register than your normal voice.
Be prepared. A prospective employer may call when you least expect it. Yes, you can ask to reschedule at a more convenient time but showing you are flexible and can think on your feet is not a bad way to impress people. Keep your phone-interview area set up and ready to go.
Close the interview by trying to set up an in-person meeting. It’s that old sales technique of “asking for the sale.”
[See the best way to quit your job.]
DON’T: (Most of these should go without saying but let’s say them anyway.)
Don’t eat, drink, chew gum, spit tobacco, smoke, sniffle, belch, or blow your nose. If you absolutely must sneeze, hold the phone as far away as possible, briefly apologize, and turn the conversation back to the interview. (Don’t say, “Whoa, what a honkin’ sneeze!”)
Don’t put your interviewer on hold to answer an incoming call.
Don’t talk to other people in the room. (Try to be alone when you’re interviewing.)
Don’t monopolize the conversation. This is also true for in-person interviews, but on the phone you lack visual cues to tell you when your listener is zoning out. Practice speaking in two-minute increments (use an egg timer, or the timer on your microwave).
Don’t interrupt. If you accidentally speak over your interviewer, quickly apologize and let him finish.
Don’t fail to realize that a phone interview is as formal as an in-person interview. A phone call may feel casual but—beware!—you are being judged and you need to sound professional. If it helps, try “dressing up” for your phone interview.
MCIRONCOCK
Active member
Speak completely clearly. Try not to use Uh, Umm, Ah, or any of those filler words. Be eloquent and respectful.
anomericas
Active member
Good advice here. its tomorrow morning at 9:45, I have to give some thought as to how I would answer those questions. the job is for a college's IT dept. not super exciting, but I know i'm qualified and its full time, decent pay.
MCIRONCOCK
Active member
(1) Medical Attendant
Git crunk and make em laugh