Top 10 Phone Interview Tips

Phone interviews are very common in today’s job search market. Employers and recruiters use phone interviews to screen candidates as it saves cost and give them opportunity to interview out-of-town candidates before inviting them for in-person interviews.

The moment you start your job search, be prepared for the phone interview. Relax, stay confident, be prepared, and keep these tips in mind.

1. Answer the phone only when you can talk for few minutes. If the time isn’t convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
2. No chewing gum, eating, drinking, driving, or taking care of other stuff when on the phone.
3. Smile when talking with the recruiter as when you smile you show your positive attitude.
4. Find a place which is not only comfortable but also free of any distractions so that you can keep your focus and remain attentive.
5. Always keep a notepad and a pen ready and take notes.
6. Have your resume and job ads filed in such a way that you can find them easily and quickly.
7. Have your elevator pitch written and ready with the resume, so you can introduce yourself clearly and quickly with confidence.
8. Have your strengths, weaknesses, and a short list of your accomplishments written and available with your resume.
9. Speak slowly and articulately, give short answers and don’t interrupt the interviewer. Avoid using your “ums” and “uhs” and “Okays”.
10. After the interview, thank the interviewer and follow-up with a thank you note. Make sure to get the email id and name of the interviewer.

Remember, the goal of a phone interview is to get a face to face interview.

So you should plan and prepare for it carefully. Leave a great impression and show your interest in the position as well as the company.

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Divya Gupta, MBA, CPRW, ACCC is the Executive Career Coach and can be reached at –

divya@ConfidentCareer.com

www.ConfidentCareer.com

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