Tips for Interviews Over the Phone
Not every job interview happens face-to-face. Sometimes you have to present your best to prospective employers over the phone. Making the most of these occasional situations is no different from bringing your A-game to a sit-down, in-person interview. Keeping distractions to a minimum while giving your full attention to listening and responding is essential if you want to increase your chances for over-the-phone interview success.
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A Quiet Room
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Prepare for the interview by finding a quiet room where outside noise and distractions won't interrupt your conversation. Have your resume or a list of your strengths and recent accomplishments handy so that you can reference them during the call. If you can, make or receive the interview call on a land-line phone. If that is not an option, be sure to situate yourself where you get the clearest possible signal, or the most "bars" so to speak. If you have children, arrange for a relative, friend or neighbor to watch them if you must interview at a time when they will be home.
Know Your Interviewer and Position
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Research the company and know the duties of the position you are hoping to land. This will help you to tailor your strengths and weaknesses to fit with those the position requires, as well as keeping you abreast of some of the challenges the position may pose to you. Be aware of your weaknesses, and how you will, if offered the position, minimize those challenges with team projects or additional training for yourself. Do not mention your weaknesses during the interview unless you are specifically asked about them.
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Sit Up and Relax
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Relax and have some water or tea handy. Take a moment to close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few seconds before beginning the call. Listen conscientiously and respond thoughtfully. When you're asked to talk about yourself, do it with confidence. Rehearse some of your responses before the interview and speak slowly enough to not tumble over your words. Try to not let your responses sound too rehearsed, though. Consider running through a practice interview with a friend or former colleague before the real interview to ease your nerves.
Go With The Flow
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Allow the conversation to flow naturally. Take notes during the call on any thoughts or questions you have on the position, and ask them when the time is appropriate. The interviewer will most likely ask you at the end of the interview if you have any questions. The key to a successful phone interview is to allow it to be a real conversation, and for that you must be comfortable and flexible. Preparation will only get you so far in an over-the-phone interview, while listening and responding with honesty and enthusiasm will help you rise to the top of the list of candidates eligible for the position.
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References
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