Making a good impression on phone interviews
Phone interviews have become an increasingly popular choice in the job screening and interview process. Phone interviews are largely used to screen job candidates and decide on which potential applicants will progress to the face-to-face interview. Phone interviews are also an integral part of the hiring process for employers looking at international candidates, and employees who are pursuing an international role.
Whatever the reason behind a phone interview, it’s important to make a great impression so that you can either secure the role or move onto the next stage in the hiring process. In a face-to-face interview, body language and the physical setting help to set the tone of the meeting and offer tangible, visual clues. In a phone interview, it is your words and tone of voice (phone manner) that will determine the impression that you make.
If you’re preparing for a phone interview, then here are a few tips for how to make a good impression:
Use warm, positive language. During a phone interview, you’ll have to compensate for a lack of body language by using positive language and an upbeat tone. Your voice will sound more confident when standing up, and smiling while you’re talking will immediately make the tone of your voice friendlier.
Use visual clues. One of the advantages of phone interviews is that you can have copies of your resume, case studies, points you would like to cover, or brief answers to questions you are likely to be asked in front of you. Be careful, however, not to simply read them out.
Choose your location carefully. Once you know the time and date of your phone interview, make sure you are in a place that is quiet, has a good phone line or mobile phone coverage, and in which you feel comfortable and relaxed. Ensure there are minimal distractions! Be prepared for the chance that you may get called for a phone interview out of the blue, so once you submit a resume do some basic preparation and research on the company.
Be prepared. A phone interview is still about screening candidates for a particular role, so the questions that you are likely to be asked will be similar to that of a face-to-face interview. You should prepare for a phone interview, therefore, in much the same way that you would for a face to face meeting. Research the company, prepare questions, and prepare answers for questions you think you might be asked.
Follow up e-mail. A successful phone interview will likely secure a face-to-face meeting. To leave a good impression, make sure you send a follow up e-mail restating your interest in the role and thanking them for their time.
Whether you are applying for marketing or legal jobs, preparing for your phone interview and perfecting your phone etiquette will make you a more attractive job candidate. Make sure you mould your preparation and interview style to your specific industry and the employer. Those interviewing for IP law jobs, for example, might be expected to convey higher levels of job expertise and knowledge as opposed to those interviewing for other legal roles such as interns or legal secretaries.
Do you have any successful phone interview tips?
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