How to Succeed at a Phone Interview
In this fast-paced world you must know how to succeed at a phone interview. Sometimes interviews are conducted over the phone instead of using a face-to-face interview. One of the most popular forms of interviews that are not conducted in-person are carried out over the phone. This practice has become quite common.
Be Successful at Telephone Interviews
Phone interviews may seem to be a bit easier to participate in than conventional interviews. However, without following specific procedures and methods, you may never reach the next step of the interview process.With a few tips and techniques, you will learn how to succeed at a phone interview and what you should do afterward. Generally, they are used as a screening process to determine if the candidate is a good match for the company. If the employer finds the candidate to be a good fit this way, then the next steps will be taken with personal contact being one of them.
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How to Succeed at a Phone Interview
Succeeding during this process results in your advancement to another, usually face-to-face interview. Following these tips and suggestions may yield you some success during this process.- Have Necessary Materials Available
Before you begin your phone interview, get properly prepared by having the right materials in front of you. Although you should avoid the distractions that can come from taking calls. Don't be afraid to have the internet available while you are speaking.
Keep the company's website on your screen as well as a search engine to quickly discover answers to questions that they may ask. This preparation will give you more of an advantage than if you were speaking to someone in-person. If you are going to be using a computer while speaking though, be sure to keep your typing at a low volume. It would be best if you didn't appear to be distracted during the conversation. - Have a Reliable Communication System
If it is possible, try to use a landline phone while speaking. Many people no longer have access to landlines because of the switch to cell numbers. Make sure that the network coverage is sufficient not to have choppy call quality if you are forced to use a mobile device.
A good option for cell phone users when they are not able to obtain decent cell coverage is to use a Wi-Fi calling option. This option is available through some carriers and will improve your coverage acting as a backup for your network.
Finally, make sure that your voice is clear, and set the audio so that you sound appropriate for the interview. - Set Aside Time
Many people feel that since the location doesn't have to be specific for this call that they can fit it in anywhere during their day. It would be best if you took time and set up an appointment to dedicate 100 percent of your time to the interview.
Stay home, or in a quiet place with adequate reception that way you have the power to control the background noise and the volume in which you may speak. Don't try to squeeze the call into a break because if your interviewer is running late, you may not have sufficient time to complete it. - Control Your Surroundings
Remove all distractions around you when speaking. The distractions include pets, children, and other noisy individuals. An interviewer shouldn't have to put up with barking dogs, screaming kids, and yelling spouses during the call. Invest in a phone with a noise-canceling microphone if possible.
Since you have the choice as to where you can take your call, control how you answer it. Avoid an awkward “hi” or “hello” and answer your call by stating your name. This way, you mitigate the need for the recruiter to ask for you.
Additionally, you can control the volume during your call as well as what sound the microphone picks up. Don't be afraid to use the mute button if you need to get a drink of water, cough, or sneeze. Better yet, get a bottle of water ahead of time. - Keep Track of Body Language
Even though the interviewer can't see you, make sure you are aware of your bad habits and distracting body language as you talk on the phone. Do you doodle or pace the floor while you're on the phone? It would be best if you determined what bad habits you have and try to resolve them.
A body language trick that can make you sound more enthusiastic over the phone is the use of a smile. Smiling makes you sound like you are more excited and interested in the position. Even though the interviewer cannot see that you are smiling, they will hear positive energy in your voice.