Telephone Interview Tips :

 Telephone Interview Tips :

 

Telephone screening interviews are becoming more commonplace as companies

seek to cut hiring costs and streamline the selection process.

 

Phone interviewing is unique. You can't count on visual stimuli such as good

looks or power suits, eye contact or body language, to aid your

presentation. Neither can you rely on visual signals to interpret the

interviewer's response. In this context, faceless conversation takes on an

added dimension of importance. Both strengths and weaknesses, as conveyed by

voice, are magnified through the phone. Your voice personifies everything

about you.

 

*Before the Telephonic Interview *:

 

If you're currently employed, arrange for a phone interview in the evening

rather than during the workday. Confidentiality and discretion may be at

risk if you interview during working hours; you never know who might barge

into your office unannounced or overhear something by accident. In the

privacy of your home, you can be more at ease and in control of your

surroundings. You should always make sure you will not be interrupted.

 

Before the actual interview, it will help to know the topics to be covered,

objectives to attain and the basic information regarding the position to be

discussed.

 

It's also advisable to prepare for possible scenarios that might unfold.

Hypothesize a bit; suppose the interviewer asks questions that make you feel

uncomfortable.  Answer these and any questions as briefly and directly as

possible without being negative. Offer a positive "mini story" about

yourself and your accomplishments.

 

The worst case scenario would be that the interviewer would not call at the

agreed time. In this case do not call the interviewer, call your recruiter

so that he/she can investigate the situation and get back to you with

another interview date and time.

*Some questions the employer might ask:*

 

   - *Why do you want to leave your present company?*

   Answer as truthfully as possible without being negative about your

   current company.

   If it's for a better opportunity, state this and why.

   -

 

   *What can you bring to us that we don't have now?*

   Answer affirmatively, such as you know you can increase sales or

   production.

   -

 

   *If we hired you, where do you see yourself in five years?*

   Again, answer positively.  Be straightforward, not clever. I hope my

   performance will reflect at least one step up by that time.

   -

 

   *How many positions have you held?*

   State the number that is on your resume or data sheet.

   -

 

   *What do you know about our company?*

   Do your research and mention at least two or three positive things that

   you've learned.

   - *Why do you think you would fit into our company?*

   Based on what I have learned about your company so far, it sounds like it

   would be a very comfortable and profitable transition.

 

Keep the following tools handy to aid you in gathering information and

facts:

 

   - A copy of the version of the resume sent to the interviewer.

   - A note pad and pen.

   - Five or six carefully worded questions you'll want to ask.

   - Company literature with pertinent information highlighted.

   - A calendar.

   - A watch or clock.

 

Phone Personality:

 

The telephone screening interview is a make-or-break proposition, your one

chance to convince the interviewer that you are worth serious consideration.

 

 

Voice reflects personality. A well-modulated, controlled voice communicates

authority and heightens the verbal impact you want to make. The quality,

pitch and tempo of your speech convey a certain attitude, energy level and

enthusiasm. Enthusiasm and excitement are the biggest selling points a

candidate can use when talking on the phone.

 

*Talk directly into the mouthpiece*.  Hold the receiver approximately three

inches from the mouth, not below your chin or above your nose. Speak in a

relaxed, conversational style, as you would talk to someone in person.

 

Avoid grasping the phone in a vise-like grip. This will add a note of

stress, and your voice will communicate that uneasiness.Getting up and

moving around introduces an element of action, which instills a relaxed,

conversational manner and reduces fatigue.

 

*Pay attention to the interviewer s voice patterns.*  Does he/she speak

slowly or rapidly? Try to match the cadence so that the conversation flows

smoothly.  The average person speaks at a rate of 160 words per minute.

Adjust your speaking rate, voice volume and phrasing to be more in rhythm

with the interviewer.

 

*Be a conversationalist*.  Listen carefully to get the big picture and to

avoid saying something that indicates any momentary mental distraction.

Allow the interviewer to complete questions. Do not finish his/her sentences

or blurt out answers prematurely.

 

*Handle any trick questions in stride*.  The interviewer may throw in

several to test your alertness or mental keenness. Showing verbal adeptness

is a sign of how quickly you can "think on your feet." Be cautious: the

interviewer may say something that puzzles you or that you firmly disagree

with. Show enough respect to voice your thoughts in a professional manner. A

defensive posture or argumentative tone is the surest way to alienate the

interviewer and eliminate your candidacy.

*A Final Concern: *

 

The interviewer may ask you what salary range you're expecting, but don't

introduce this subject yourself. It's best to mention that at this point you

are not altogether certain what the job is really worth. Example: "I would

feel more comfortable discussing a salary figure after meeting the key

people I would be working with and knowing more about the position." If the

interviewer continues to pressure you for a figure, specifically ask, "What

salary range are you working within?" Chances are 50/50 that he/she will

tell you.

 

Respond by indicating that your desired salary is in that range (if that is

correct). If the dollars are a little low, don't despair or defend what you

feel you are worth. Tell the interviewer you d like to discuss this with

your MRI recruiter before committing yourself.

 

As the conversation winds down, become less talkative and give more thought

to what you say. Your final words will generally have greater impact and be

remembered longer. Careful word choice and voice inflections will

under-score the significance of your remarks.