Pulled from the FREE e-book “70+ Tips to Perfect the Interview,” today’s advice comes from Paul J. Bailo, CEO of Phone Interview Pro.
Think of the phone interview as a first date
A phone interview is an easy, cost effective way for a company to say, “I‟m interested in talking with you”…similar to a coffee date. If a company really loves you – the organization would schedule a formal “face-to-face” interview in the office, spend more time and money on you…. similar to a movie or dinner date. You will get the second date only if you make a great “phone interview“ impression.
Here are tips to improve your phone interviewing skills:
Be Yourself, at Your Best
Do not try to be the person you think the interviewer wants you to be; instead be the person you actually are.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
All great accomplishments have their foundation in carefully thought- out preparation. Phone interviews are a lot like open-book test- you can have all your information (resume, cover letters, etc.) right in front of you.
Use a landline, and disable call waiting
Interruptions caused by dropped or incoming calls just add stress you don’t need.
Have a list of questions prepared
Well-thought-out questions show you’re really interested in the company and the job. Also, have your resume in front of you. Make sure it’s the same version the interviewer has.
Listen, Think, Speak
It is important to listen to what the interviewer has to say, and then think before responding. Take a few seconds to understand the question, and then prepare a quality answer before simply blurting out something less intelligent.
Never interrupt
Silently count to two or three seconds after the interviewer stops talking before you start
Ask about next steps
At the end of the call, ask how well your qualifications meet the company’s needs. This will give you a chance to address minor issues immediately. Then ask when you can meet with them in person.
Say “thank you”
Follow up with an e-mail or a handwritten note. While you’re at it, briefly remind the interviewer how your skills and achievements can help the company meet its goals.
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