Phone interviews can be both positive and negative. As a positive, the interviewee gets a leg up when it comes to research because they are able to look up information in live time. For example, in a recent phone interview, I researched the company well, but apparently not well enough. Therefore, when the interviewer asked me a question I was able to look up information to provide an answer in quick, live time. On the other hand, phone interviews can be negative because they do not allow the interviewee and interviewer to have an in-person connection so words can sometimes be translated differently without seeing the facial expressions of the context. Therefore, it is important to brush up on phone interview skills to prevent any miscommunication.
1. Pull up the company's website prior to the interview
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would a regular interview. However, do use the phone interview to its advantages. As discussed earlier, a huge benefit to phone interviews is live research for questions. However, if it takes longer than 15 seconds to respond it will be obvious to the interviewer you are researching the answer. Therefore, have necessary websites and information up prior to the phone call to grant quick access.
2. Show inflection in your voice according to your response
Since the in-person contact cannot be made, make sure your mood is reflected in your voice. Additionally, this allows you to show the interviewer that you are genuinely responding to each question with sincere passion.
3. Talk at an understandable volume
There is nothing more annoying than being in a conference call in which you cannot hear the other person or they are blasting you out of the call. No one wants to have to hold their phone ten feet away from them in order to keep their ear drum from being busted. Therefore, talk a normal talking level. They can hear you just fine.
4. Practice interviewing by recording yourself
As in regular interview, first impressions count. Therefore, practice enunciating, volume, inflection and tone because your impression will be given through your words and voice as opposed to looks.
5. Smile!
I know it is silly to smile even though the interviewer cannot see you, but you can hear the difference it makes in your voice. If you smile, it will sound more positive and real.
6. Do not eat, chew gum, smoke, etc. during the interview
Again, although the interviewer cannot see you, I can promise they will hear you smacking those potato chips in their ear. Additionally, it takes your main focus off of the interview because you are multitasking.
1. Pull up the company's website prior to the interview
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would a regular interview. However, do use the phone interview to its advantages. As discussed earlier, a huge benefit to phone interviews is live research for questions. However, if it takes longer than 15 seconds to respond it will be obvious to the interviewer you are researching the answer. Therefore, have necessary websites and information up prior to the phone call to grant quick access.
2. Show inflection in your voice according to your response
Since the in-person contact cannot be made, make sure your mood is reflected in your voice. Additionally, this allows you to show the interviewer that you are genuinely responding to each question with sincere passion.
3. Talk at an understandable volume
There is nothing more annoying than being in a conference call in which you cannot hear the other person or they are blasting you out of the call. No one wants to have to hold their phone ten feet away from them in order to keep their ear drum from being busted. Therefore, talk a normal talking level. They can hear you just fine.
4. Practice interviewing by recording yourself
As in regular interview, first impressions count. Therefore, practice enunciating, volume, inflection and tone because your impression will be given through your words and voice as opposed to looks.
5. Smile!
I know it is silly to smile even though the interviewer cannot see you, but you can hear the difference it makes in your voice. If you smile, it will sound more positive and real.
6. Do not eat, chew gum, smoke, etc. during the interview
Again, although the interviewer cannot see you, I can promise they will hear you smacking those potato chips in their ear. Additionally, it takes your main focus off of the interview because you are multitasking.