How to Impress a Manager on a Phone Interview
When your cover letter and resume succeed in grabbing the attention of the hiring manager, you could get a request for a telephone interview. Because of time constraints and the desire to streamline the hiring process, many companies utilize telephone interviews as a means of screening employment candidates. If you impress a manager on a phone interview, you could advance to a face-to-face personal interview, with more chance at landing the position.
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Instructions
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Provide your landline telephone number for a telephone interview to avoid using a cellphone for the call. The connection quality could suffer if you use a cellphone, which can be distracting and unimpressive.
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Practice your answers to common interview questions. Expect questions about how you would react or respond in situations specific to the position, and prepare notes to help you answer these questions. Notes help you remember what you want to say, but do not write out answers completely. You do not want your answers to sound like you are reading them. Ask someone to help you practice by asking you questions, or practice delivering answers aloud in front of a mirror.
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Schedule the interview time, if you can, although this might not be possible. If you can schedule the phone interview for a specific time, this enables you to prepare completely before the manager calls.
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Gather notes and papers pertaining to the position. This includes all information you have about the company, the position and its responsibilities, your resume and cover letter. Have these items ready to use during the interview.
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Dress in the clothes you might wear if you were meeting the manager in person. Although the manager cannot see you, by dressing nicely, you improve the way you present yourself and the way you will speak during the interview.
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Seclude yourself in a spot where you will not have distractions during the interview. A quiet room in your home with the door closed is ideal. Eliminate background noise to make a professional impression.
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Speak confidently as you answer questions. Use the information you prepared to deliver answers that demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Deliver answers carefully, articulating clearly so the manager understands you. If the manager asks specific questions about how you would perform in job situations, deliver your prepared answers with confidence.
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Wrap up the interview following the manager’s lead. Thank the manager for her time at the end of the phone interview, and express you eagerness to continue the application and interview process.
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References
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