When it comes to knowing how to do well in a telephone interview, you would be surprised at how many tips and tricks there are to help.
During the job application process, it is wise to be ready for telephone interviews as it is common for companies to request these during the preliminary phases of short-listing candidates. Using the phone interview tips in this article is an effective way to make sure that make the most out of any telephone interviews that come your way.
Firstly, it's important to know that there are different types of telephone interviews.
Some can manifest as brief chats that only last around 10 minutes and lead to an invitation for an in-person interview. On the other hand, some phone interviews can involve more structured 20-minute sessions that encompass pivotal questions and expectations. In either case, the goal of this article is to provide you with interview tips to help you answer that question: how do I prepare for a phone interview?
Practice Your Phone Interviews
If you want to know how to ace a telephone interview, your first step is to prepare.
Fortunately, the majority of phone interviews are prearranged appointments, which allows candidates to choose a suitable time slot. Once you know your time slot, you can kick into action of preparing and practising. Whether that is through interactions with friends or self-preparation, practising can help you to acclimatise to the concept of a phone interview. One effective approach is to have a friend pose the questions—both anticipated and spontaneous. This will help you to gauge your ability to think on your feet.
One of the best phone interview tips you will come across is to record your practice sessions and listen to them. This can be an illuminating experience. Be sure to pay attention to any verbal habits, like “um” or “ah”. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
Always begin by researching the company and the position you're seeking. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent advancements. Once you know more about them, when it comes to your opportunity to ask questions, you can ask some intelligent ones too. Next, craft responses to common interview queries and gather examples that showcase your skills and expertise.
Phone interview tips like these can also be applied to online video interviews.
Unexpected Phone Interview Tips: Dress the Part
If your initial reaction to dressing the part as one for how to ace a telephone interview is dismay, keep reading as this is a strategy that could make a lot of sense. Yes, you may be thinking, “But wait they can’t even see me,” nevertheless, this practice can significantly influence your mindset during the interview. When you dress in a professional manner, it is a sure way to subtly inject a degree of professionalism into your voice. This principle equally applies to your body language.
Research indicates that your inner dialogue aligns with your external body language, especially when you assume "power poses" for as little as two minutes. Cultivating a confident inner narrative, consequently, translates into confident speech. For a deeper dive into this concept, I recommend exploring Amy Cuddy's work on the "Power Pose."
So, to answer your question: dress the part and adopt a place and posture befitting of a business-like setting?
Ensure Easy Access to Resources for Telephone Interviews
Organise your notes by having your CV and a compilation of questions tailored to the company and interviewer. This meticulous preparation and individualised approach will no doubt set you apart from the generic interview strategy used by most.
As part of your preparation, jot down key points regarding your experience as it pertains to the job you are applying for and then outline your responses to anticipated interview inquiries. Don’t forget to arrange your notes in a coherent manner to avoid fumbling during the conversation.
During the interview, be aware of how you enunciate your words and sustain a tone of voice that exudes professionalism, authenticity and confidence. Similarly, try to maintain a steady pace in your speech. Don’t speak too quickly or too slowly, avoid slang and while you can be warm, avoid being over-familiar at all costs.
As you answer questions, try to include your appropriate skills, accomplishments and experiences without sounding staged. Try not to worry as these are facts that are likely to present themselves naturally when the right questions are asked. When you answer try to incorporate specific instances that will illustrate your capabilities and emphasise how your contributions align with the company's success.
Remember that these tips for phone interviews are relevant to video call interviews too.
Phone Interview Tips to Optimise Your Environment
Ensure that you position yourself in a tranquil and composed environment and remember that excessive noise can potentially interrupt the interview and hinder your concentration. Besides that, a noisy environment will show a lack of professionalism and even, respect for the interviewer. In addition, prioritise having a fully charged phone, disable notifications, and confirm strong signal connectivity.
Identify a secluded spot where you can maintain privacy throughout the interview and again, diminish potential disturbances, such as background sounds, interruptions, or notifications on your electronic devices.
While it might appear self-evident, avoid consuming food or audibly sipping beverages during the interview. However, having a glass of water on hand could be beneficial if you experience dryness in your throat.
How to Ace a Telephone Interview with Confidence and Authenticity
Still asking, how do I prepare for a phone interview?
While it might feel challenging to make a positive impression, embracing your authentic self is important. Allow your genuine qualities to shine, as they are the ones that will make a lasting impact. Considering the potential for working closely with these individuals for extended periods, you can be sure that their interest in genuinely understanding you is sincere, even if they're seeking the best version of you.
Amidst the pressure, remember that you possess inherent value. Quieting your nerves becomes more achievable when you acknowledge your worth and capabilities and rest in the knowledge that you are doing your best. This self-assurance can lend an air of confidence to your interactions, and facilitate a more authentic exchange.
How to Answer Questions in Phone Interviews
When posed with a question, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. Inhale deeply and briefly review your notes. Allow yourself the necessary time to formulate your answer.
While it's important not to overly prolong your response, a few seconds of contemplation is perfectly acceptable.
Strive to avoid filling the pauses with nervous "um's" and "ah's." An answer that's well-considered will undoubtedly make a stronger impression than a hurried and stumbling reply.
Don’t be afraid to express authentic enthusiasm and a keen interest in both the role and the company. Pose insightful queries about the position, the team, or the company's future endeavours. Doing all of this will transform the conversation into an engaging exchange rather than merely responding to a set of enquiries.
Listen very attentively to the interviewer's questions and pause to formulate your response. When you take a brief moment to gather your thoughts before replying, you have a better chance of ensuring that your responses are articulate and succinct.
Phone Interview Tips to Sound Positive
Reaffirm your confidence by reflecting on why you're an excellent fit for the job, why you've earned the position, and why it aligns with your interests. Consider jotting these affirmations on post-it notes that will serve as positive reminders to guide you during the interview. When you truly believe in these qualities, not only will your capabilities shine through, but the interviewer will be more likely to believe in them too.
So, even though your physical presence isn't visible, remember that your body language can influence your tone and overall demeanour. Maintain an upright posture, let a smile infuse your voice, and feel free to incorporate hand gestures to convey enthusiasm and engagement.
After the interview, extend gratitude for the opportunity to converse with the interviewer. Promptly send a thank-you email or note to reaffirm your interest in the role and reinforce a positive impression.
Keep in mind that telephone interviews hold the same weight as those in person. Through meticulous preparation, attentive engagement, and carefully demonstrating your skills and enthusiasm, you can amplify your chances of excelling in telephone interviews and advancing to the subsequent stages of the selection process.
Lastly, rather than wishing you luck, we firmly believe in your ability to excel.
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