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Phone Interview Tips...
Remember
that this process is the
same as a normal interview,
except in
hyper speed –
and without the element of "in person" communication.
Here are some ideas to
review prior to the
interview which will help
you sharpen our telephone
skills.
Remember that
the person on the other end
of the telephone may be just
as uncomfortable as you.
Concentrate less on any
feelings of inadequacy and
more on how to make the
other person feel at ease.
Many people generally do not
like the telephone interview
process – remember that it
works both ways.
Smile over
the telephone. Believe
it or not, smiling while you
are talking will actually
help you sound more "friendly" and open.
Many telephone marketing
offices have a mirror on
each desk so that their
people can always keep this
in mind! At the very
least, be upbeat, positive,
friendly, professional, etc.
During the
telephone interview, you are
judged by the same criteria
used in an in-person
interview (e.g.
self-confidence).
Self-confidence is judged
differently by telephone
than in-person where eye
contact, for example, can be
an excellent barometer.
Instead, you will be judged
by a much more subtle set of
factors – the sound of your
voice, friendliness,
sincerity, enthusiasm,
honesty, etc.
Remember, being very honest
is a quality that will make
a great impression on the
interviewer. It is
acceptable not to know everything,
nobody does, so do not be
afraid to say "I have never
worked with that, but I am
very interested in learning
and I believe I have the
skills to do it".
The ability
to speak succinctly about
your past experiences and
accomplishments will be
critical. Many
technical professionals
launch into long, drawn out
answers to telephone
interview questions.
Remember, you are not being
judged on how well you
speak, but how well you
answer questions.
Always stay very positive
about your previous
employers and managers.
Many people
find that the most
uncomfortable scenario in a
telephone interview is the
occasional "dead air" of
silence during the
conversation. It is
very important to have a
list of questions prepared
about the company and the
opportunity that you can
refer to when caught in one
of those dead spots,
although good communication
seems to be up to both of
you, typically that dead air
will be your responsibility
to fill.
Although you
are always judged on your
ability to listen well,
nowhere in the recruiting
process do listening skills
become more important than
in the telephone interview.
You will find that your
nerves will sometimes make
this very difficult.
We suggest that you close
off all thoughts about
whatever is going on around
you and concentrate on the
words and the voice of the
interviewer. By
listening intently, you will
never have to be concerned
with what to say next and
conversation will flow
nicely.
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