JOB INTERVIEW SPECIAL ..........................Phone Interview Tips

INTERVIEW SPECIAL Phone Interview Tips

Telephone Interview Tips & Techniques

Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.

While you're actively job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk. 

Be Prepared to Interview

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions.

In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.

Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.

Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.

Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.

If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.

Clear the room. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door. 

Practice Interviewing

Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it seems. I've always found it's helpful to practice. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you'll be asked. 

During the Phone Interview

Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.

Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.

Smile. (EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON IS NOT VISIBLE TO YOU IN FRONT) Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.

Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.

Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.

Don't interrupt the interviewer.

Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.

Give short answers.

Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.

After the Interview:

Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered. Remember to say "thank you." Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.

(http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/phoneinterview.htm)

And more

(http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm)

Job Interview Questions: About the New Job and Company

What interests you about this job?

Why do you want this job?

What applicable attributes / experience do you have?

Are you overqualified for this job?

Why are you the best person for the job?

Why should we hire you?

What do you know about this company?

Why do you want to work for this organization?

What challenges are you looking for in a position?

What can you contribute to this company?

Are you willing to travel?

Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?

Interview Questions: The Future

What are your goals for the next five years / ten years? 

How do you plan to achieve those goals?

What are your salary requirements - both short-term and long-term?

Interview Questions: Work History

·         Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment

·         What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?

·         What were your starting and final levels of compensation?

·         What were your responsibilities?

·         What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?

·         Which was most / least rewarding?

·         What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position? 

·         What was it like working for your supervisor? What were his strengths and                  shortcomings?

·         Why are you leaving your job?

·         Why were you fired?

From Alison Doyle