Interviews over the phone can be just as daunting as meeting in person. It’s not as simple as picking up the phone and just giving answers to questions.
Why? They’re often short, so you feel pressured to make the most of the time. You can’t see your interviewer’s body language or facial expressions, which makes it harder to build rapport and gauge receptivity. There can also be a number of interruptions or awkward silences that make the conversation difficult.
It may sound nerve-racking, but like any other interview, preparation is everything. Below, I share 7 Phone Interview tips to help you stay calm and speak confidently;
1. Confirm the scheduled time
Before the day of your interview, confirm the date and time so you’re sure to pick up when the call comes in. Writing down the scheduled time, adding it to your calendar or setting it as a reminder on your phone are great ways to make sure you are ready for the scheduled interview.
2. Know who will be calling you
In many cases, you’ll be interviewing a recruiter, hiring manager or the direct supervisor. Do an online search to determine your interviewer’s role at the company. If you’re interviewing with a recruiter, you’ll get more general questions regarding your experience. An interview with your direct supervisor, however, means you’ll get in-depth questions related to your industry and role.
3. Be an active listener
Be attentive, ask insightful questions and engage with the interviewer. This will show that you’re taking the interview seriously and that you genuinely care about what they have to say. Ask follow-up questions as well to show that you were keenly listening.
4. Have Your Job Materials Nearby
You should feel comfortable and ready to discuss your background and skills confidently during a phone conversation. Have a copy of your CV nearby, so that you can refer to it during the interview. Also, have a copy of the job posting and a copy of your cover letter if you sent one.
5. Practice
Talking on the phone isn’t as easy as it seems. As with an in-person interview, practice can be helpful. Not only will this help you rehearse answers, but it will also help you realize if you have a lot of verbal tics, fail to enunciate, or speak too quickly or too slowly.
6. Pause before answering a question
Don’t worry if you need a few seconds to think of a response, but don’t leave too much dead air. If you need the interviewer to repeat the question, ask. Good responses would be;
- “Great question; let me think about that…”
- “Hmmm… that sparks several thoughts…”
- “I’m going to consider that for a second…
7. Avoid disruptions
Turn off call waiting so your call isn’t interrupted. Put your cellphone on “Do not disturb” so you won’t hear beeps or buzzes from apps, text messages, and so on. Ensure the room you are in is cleared out and quiet.
Final Phone Interview Advice
Whether your interview is on the phone, in-person or over video, always prepare and practice. Your interview will not be perfect, but perfection isn’t the goal. The goal is to stay calm, sound confident, and present the best version of you.
Are you scheduled for any upcoming interviews? Nervous? Worry not! Our professional interview coach will help you practice and make the interview process as smooth as possible. Book a session today.
https://jobcenterkenya.com/7-successful-phone-interview-tips/
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