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 now, so we need to prepare carefully as this
is an opportunity to get a face-to-face interview. In order to prepare for a telephone 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. If possible, talk on a land line 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 outdoors.
Your location for the telephone
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 of the support materials with you. Keep them in a file or briefcase in case you
get an unexpected call for the telephone interview.
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 telephone
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 telephone
interview. It is possible that you may
be hired for the job over the telephone. We have had people in our networking group
hired over the telephone, 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 interviewer so that you have some personal information about
him/her. This may give you a general
idea of their character and what he/she might be seeking from you. Company websites and visits to the company
location can also furnish information. You
cannot have enough information about the firm you are applying to.
Remember to review Section 8.4
"Answering The 20 Toughest Interview Questions".
OTHER
TIPS:
● 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 changes to the job
description for this position. 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.
● 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.
● 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 of the
interviewer which 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.
● Make sure you have a list of questions
you want to ask.
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 your soft skills and extra 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 their company. You use
your Invisible Resume at the end of the interview when they ask 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, may 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.)
FINAL COMMENTS – Your final comments should
indicate why you believe you are a good match for the job and how you can make
a difference in their company. This is
not the time to be shy if you really want the job. Let them know your enthusiasm about the job
and the opportunity to work for their company.
Bob Raikes, National Certified Career Counselor