In today's world, where opportunities are no longer limited to geographical boundaries, many organizations are interviewing candidates over the phone to assess whether they would be ideal hires before contacting them for an in-person interview.
Before going deeper into the phone interview tips, let's be clear about what a telephonic interview is and what role it has in the overall recruitment process.
Also known as the phone screen, a telephonic interview is for candidates who have a stellar resume and an impeccable application that captured the attention of a potential recruiter.
Recruiters can schedule a telephonic interview in advance via phone and email, or they can give you a surprise call asking whether you will be available to chat about the job for which you applied.
A phone interview typically has a duration of around twenty to thirty minutes. It gives candidates the opportunity to showcase their skills and qualities that make them the best fit for the job. Often referred to as the phone screen, a telephonic interview is crucial because, if everything goes well, it can propel you to the next level.
Most candidates fail to land a dream job because they didn't prepare enough for a telephonic interview. To ensure you don't make that mistake, here are some expert Phone interview tips that will help you ace your next phone interview.
Research the Company Profile and Also Make Sure to Gain a Clear Understanding of the Role You Are Applying for
As soon as you submit your job application, start preparing for the telephonic interview. Make an effort to learn as much as you can about your potential employer, including what the company does, its mission and vision, work culture, products, and area of operation. It is also crucial to have a thorough knowledge of the position you are applying for. In case you come to know who the interviewer is, search the Internet to learn more about him or her.
Find a Place in Your Home That is Completely Free of Noise
If the recruiter notifies you beforehand about the timing and the date of the telephonic interview, use the information to your advantage to create a favorable environment for the interview call. Choose a quiet location, and keep your family members informed about the telephonic interview so that there is no interference that might upset the interview process.
Once you finalize the location, ensure that you are using a quality handset with strong connectivity, preferably a landline. Weak network coverage, leading to frequent call interruptions, should be avoided at all costs during the phone interview. Many employers these days also conduct virtual interviews on various platforms, such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. In that case, you will need to have a reliable internet connection, and you should also be familiar with the platform chosen for the interview.
Have a Copy of Your CV Ready Before Attending the Phonic Interview
Having a copy of your CV with you will enable you to recollect the content that you have stated on your resume. Recruiters usually conduct telephonic interviews while looking at candidates' resumes, so it would be extremely helpful if you keep a copy of your CV handy.
Remember that your resume can make or break your chances of securing a dream job, as a poorly drafted resume will fail to attract the interviewer's attention. If you are planning to apply for a job, and have not submitted your resume yet, do some research to master the art of creating a flawless, job-winning resume.
"Listening Is a Magnetic and Strange Thing, a Creative Force", so Be a Good Listener
Never, ever rant, interrupt, or try to dominate the interaction. Instead, listen carefully, answer what is being asked, and let the HR manager lead the telephonic conversation. Keep in mind that talking a lot does not impress any interviewer. So stay calm, and wait a few seconds before answering. This will ensure that you and your interviewer are not speaking simultaneously, which can be uncomfortable and chaotic.
Also, keep a pen and paper to write down any questions you may have. Ask those questions at the end of the telephonic interview after taking permission from the interviewer.
In a Telephonic Interview, the Answers You Give Should Be Insightful and Concise
In telephonic interviews, you will only have 20 to 30 minutes to impress your potential recruiter. Therefore, prepare a set of clear and concise answers for probable questions the interviewer might ask.
Be mindful of the fact that your voice should convey both confidence and enthusiasm while answering the interviewer's questions. Also, many experts recommend that candidates should smile when answering questions in a telephonic interview. Although this may seem weird as the interviewer cannot see you smiling. However, if you do smile, it will add a positive and energetic tone to your voice. Do not speak in a monotonous, robotic manner, as it can make you sound unimpressive.
To make the telephonic interview session a platform to move to the next stage, you must demonstrate exceptional language and communication skills to engage your interviewer effectively.
Put on Your Formal Attire
Strange but true, if you dress up in formal attire for the telephonic interview, you will feel like you are giving the interview in a professional setting, as is the case with face-to-face interviews. A telephonic interview is often referred to as the filtering round; therefore, there is no room for negligence.
Several surveys show that most candidates agree they can concentrate well during a telephonic interview and take the interview more seriously if they are in professional attire. Another important factor is body language. Sit up straight, even though the interviewer cannot see you. This will help you transmit positive emotions and not make you seem low and lethargic.
Conclude the Telephonic Interview in a Way That Makes the Recruiting Manager Call You for a One-on-One Interaction
Once the potential recruiter finishes interviewing you, ask the questions you wrote down during the course of the telephonic interview. When you are done, thank the interviewer before hanging up the phone. If you have the interviewer's contact information, make sure to send a "thank you note" a day after the interview. It is also common to attach anything you missed to mention or ask about, along with the "thank you note."
The above phone interview tips will help you to prepare for the phone interview and crack your interview on the first attempt.
What Do You Need to Do to Impress Potential Employers?
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