by
Bob Raikes, NCCC
Many people are
placed in a position where they are involved in a telephone interview. Most of
us would rather meet face-to-face with the interviewer and are somewhat
uncomfortable with the telephone interview process. However, it is a reality
that it is going to happen more often than we want. and we need to prepare
carefully as this is an opportunity to get a face-to-face interview. In order
to prepare for a phone interview the following suggestions are offered.
TIME AND LOCATION
Attempt to have the
interview take place at a time of day when you feel the sharpest. You may not
have a choice, and the interview may take place at an unexpected time so be
prepared for this possibility. Talk on a land phone, if possible, so that the
connection is clear. Be sure you are in a location where you can speak without
background noise, even if it means going out of doors.
Your location for
the phone interview can be critical.
The best place is your home or a location where it is quiet. If you get caught at a time and in a
location other than your home be sure you have all support materials with you.
Keep them in a file or briefcase in case you get an unexpected call and phone
interview that you are not expecting.
REMEMBER YOUR GOAL
Your objective is a
face-to-face interview so make every effort to meet that goal. In fact, the
last thing you may do during a phone interview is to ask if you can meet in a
face-to-face interview in the near future. However, this may be your only real
shot at the job so be sure that you are well prepared and ready for the
interview.
It is possible that
you may be hired for the job over the phone. We have had persons in our
networking group hired over the phone so we know it does happen.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Be sure that you
have researched the company to which you are applying, know what it is about,
and have some company information that you can work into the conversation. It
also is possible to Google the person who is interviewing you so that you have
some personal information that may help you see where he/she is coming from or
might be going. Company websites and visits to the company location can also
furnish information. You can't have enough information about the firm you are applying
to.
It is possible that
the job you are applying for has had a change in the job description. One of
your first statements should be to ask if there have been any change to the job
you are applying for. Companies often change a job description and fail to
notify applicants.
Be sure you know
what you are interviewing for. It is a fair question.
OTHER TIPS
Speak clearly and in
normal voice tones.
Walk around while
talking and smile as this gives your voice a positive sound.
Some people like to dress up so that they feel more professional. This could include dressing as you would on the job.
Focus on questions
being asked.
Listen carefully and respond to questions being asked. Do not let
your mind wander to information you want to cover.
Listen carefully to voice changes in the interviewer that may
indicate points of emphasis that could be important to this person,
Never interrupt the interviewer.
Do not be afraid of long silences. The interviewer may be
digesting your answers and/or thinking of the next question to· be asked.
Have a list of
questions to ask and review the 20 most-asked questions in our guidebook
MATERIALS YOU SHOULD
HAVE READY
A copy of the cover
letter and resume you submitted.
Papers with names,
dates, job duties etc.
Pencils and paper
for note taking.
References in case
they ask for them.
Information on
projects, programs and other activities in which you participated.
INVISIBLE RESUME
Have an invisible
resume ready that denotes soft skills you possess and other bits of information
that may set you apart from others. This is also the time when you have an
opportunity to let them know how you will make a difference in the company.
(You use your
invisible resume at the end of the interview when they ask if you have any
further questions or if there is anything else they should know about you).
SETTING YOURSELF UP
TO MAKE FURTHER CONTACT
As the interview
ends, be sure to ask:
* What are your next
steps?
* When can I expect
to hear back from you?
* If I have further
questions can I call or e-mail you?
(By doing this you
have set yourself up to have a reason for more contact and to again bring and
keep your name before them.)
IN A BOLD MOVE
You state that you
feel you are a fit for the job. What do you think? This can work in a positive
or negative way. Much depends on how you felt the interview went.
FINAL COMMENTS
Your final comments
should indicate why you think you are match for the job and how you can make a
difference in the company. This is not the time to be timid if you really want
the job. Let them know your enthusiasm about the job and the opportunity to
work for the company.