Getting through an interview is hard enough. But, conducting a telephone interview is an even more challenging proposition.
A company may choose to conduct a telephone interview when a candidate is located far away and travel is out of the questions, or when there are time constraints, making it impractical to get to the corporate office. Sometimes, a company may simply wish to see whether the candidate portrays an appropriate telephone image.
Whatever the reason, there are a couple of things that will make the phone interview go more smoothly. Don’t talk too much when responding to a query. Short, succinct answers are far better than long, drawn-out monologues!
Prior to your telephone interview, it is a good idea to practice with a friend or a colleague, asking them to rate you in several areas:
Choose interesting vocabulary (‘accomplished' or 'initiated' are great choices, instead of ‘did’ or ‘worked on.’
Since you won’t have the benefit of observing your interviewer’s body language, speak slowly and clearly and enunciate.
Speak up so that you can be heard and focus on your diction!
Minimize “filler” words such as 'Well/Umm/You know… In the days before your telephone interview, make a conscious effort to eliminate these from your speech pattern, because if not, you are likely to be perceived as uneducated and illiterate.
Use correct grammar. This portrays self-confidence and is of paramount importance
to your future employer.
Last, but not least, when given the choice between a face-to-face interview and a telephone interview ALWAYS select the former, as it will materially enhance your chances for success.
Comments (0):