Tackling Phone Interviews
If you've been scheduled for a phone interview, a potential employer
has determined that the qualifications listed on your resume may
be a good fit for a position, and there is interest in your ability
to articulate your experience and skills. It is important to keep
in mind that the telephone interview is a pre-screening tool for
potential employers to determine whether or not they would like
to interview you in person. Here are some general tips to keep
in mind that should help prepare you for a telephone interview.
Come prepared.
Review the company's website and generate a list
of specific questions to ask during the interview or at the closing
of the interview. Take the time to read about the company's services
and history. The interviewer will be that much more impressed
with your sincere interest and understanding of the company.
Have your resume, job description, calendar, and pen and paper
ready prior to the start of your telephone interview. Know the
name and title of your interviewer so that you can follow up and
send him/her a thank you letter.
Know your resume.
Know which parts of your resume you want to
highlight and elaborate on. Be able to confidently explain parts
that may be undesirable; such as job hopping, being fired, lack
of experience, unfinished degree, etc. Write down or rehearse
out loud how you plan to respond to awkward issues that may arise
during the interview. This will ensure that you will not be caught
off guard and can easily shift into discussing your skills and
accomplishments.
Speak slowly and confidently.
People generally speak quickly when
they are nervous, making them appear to be poor communicators or
difficult to understand. Concentrate on keeping a slower pace and
clearly articulating your words. Be sure to avoid fillers such
as "ums" and "uhs." Rather than sit during
your interview, consider standing, as this will help you project
and make your voice more powerful and lively.
Be prepared to discuss compensation.
Be sure to know your current
compensation, including bonuses, overtime pay. Most companies
will want to know this information to ensure that they can make
you an adequate offer if it reaches that point. If the company
simply asks you what your salary requirements are, a good rule
of thumb is to ask what they would typically pay someone with your
background and experience.
Remember that the goal of this interview is to open the door to
a face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager. At the closing
of the interview, be sure to ask about the next steps and confirm
your continued interest in the position. Don't be afraid to ask
for an in-person interview and tell them your availability right
away.
Source: Zweig-White
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