In the last article, I discussed about some of the tips, which could be key for attending interviews and making that very important first impression. This time I would cover the tips for making that first impression while taking the phone interview.
Please understand that communication itself has so many aspects to it that we could be learning forever. On top of that, with the changing world, where so much of business happens over the media-be it email, phones, video conferences, it’s not only exciting but also challenging to convey your point, exactly as you want to.
Follow these tips for a successful first impression while attending the phone interview.
1. Keep time: I recently was to interview a candidate. When I called her over the phone she seemed to have taken by surprise. She seemingly lost track of the interview timings and ended up apologizing. Being on a tighter schedule, we didn’t mind and continued interviewing other scheduled candidates. Fortunately, the next candidate suited perfect for the job, and we didn’t require calling this forgetful candidate. Please don’t make these mistakes. The job markets may be booming during great times, but still there is no reason to be unprofessional enough. Always ensure that whatever time you confirm, you also request an email confirmation for the same, and then do everything possible (alarms, add to to-do list) not to miss the opportunity. If at the last minute, you are trapped with some meeting, make an effort and inform the other company about it.
2. Find a suitable place: In continuation to the above point, find a suitable place where you would not be disturbed. There isn’t anything worse than your boss dropping on you while you are negotiating your fatter pay cheque. If you are taking the interview during office hours, see if you can move to a calm place where you can concentrate on the interview rather than bother about the surroundings. Be there 5 minutes before and find yourself a comfortable spot.
3. Plan and prepare: The planning aspect would still be the same, even though you may be attending the interview over the phone. Read everything about the job and the company. Also, since you are on your own, you can also keep a copy of your resume for your reference during the interview. If you sense that the interview could run for longer, have the phone charged before the interview, and see if you would be more comfortable, by using hands-free/headsets for the conversation.
4. Smile & your voice: This is the most important tip I think I can give. First, do practice to smile while you respond. You don’t have to do it for every line you speak, but see if you can make it a way of your speaking. The other person may not be able to see you, but boy; smile is something which can be literally seen from the other side of the phone. It has a definite positive effect during phone conversations.
Also, while speaking over the phone, try and speak a little slow. The communication lag, sometime bad network or noise on either ends could make some of the conversation unclear. You would want the other person to hear every single clearly for maxing benefit. Also, ask politely, if the interviewer has been finding the voice quality fine, just in case you sense that the interviewer hasn’t either understood your point, or didn’t respond the way you wanted.
5. Confidence: Lastly, be confident about your interview. You may not know every single thing, but confidence comes from accepting the facts, and open to learning and feedback. At the end of the interview, see if you can get some feedback. Don’t push the interviewer, but do ask politely. Remember, if the telephonic round goes satisfactorily, then the next step would be person interview, so be optimistic.
Share here, what other tips would make it more effective, while attending telephonic interviews. I would love to hear more on this from you!
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