7 Tips To Crack A Telephonic Interview
If you are applying for a job , then the first thing you can expect from your potential employer is a phone call. In a super competitive market, the telephonic round of interview is increasingly being used by hiring managers for the first screening, and in the process, the first-stage elimination as well.
Here are some tips on how to ace a telephonic interview and make the employer choose you as their co-worker:
1.Get Serious:
Prepare for telephonic interviews the same way as you would for a face-to-face interview. Many experts also suggest that the candidate should dress appropriately for telephonic interviews, in case a call is expected in advance. This will make a huge difference in the way the interviewee may come across to interviewer on the phone.
2.Sound Confident:
Your appearance may not be visible over the phone, but how confident and professional you feel while talking to the HR Manager of a company, will surely create an impression. Since some calls are planned and some are unplanned, make sure you don’t get nervous or unenthusiastic during an unscheduled interview.
3.Make Sure There Are No Distractions:
During a telephonic round, it is solely your voice that can make or break the deal. So while taking the call, ensure that you are in an area where you can speak without interruption. Preferably, sit in a silent room. Also, it is a good idea to turn off any alarms, music, phones or other devices that may suddenly create a noise during the interview. This shows a sense of respect to the interviewer and indicates that you are serious about the interview.
4.Be Prepared To Discuss Your Resume In Detail:
The interviewer is likely to ask you to introduce yourself and then will move on to ask you about your work experience and educational qualifications, as mentioned in your resume. Be prepared to provide more details, but don’t take too much time on any one answer. After a few sentences, ask, “Is this what you were after, or would you like me to go in a different direction or provide greater detail?”, by doing this you can make sure that you’re giving them the information that they actually require from you.
5.Listen First, Speak Later:
Being a good and keen listener is as important as being a good speaker. So focus on what is being asked and respond accordingly. Avoid the instinct to fill pauses, and take time to prepare your response. Make sure that you are actively involved in the conversation and the other person also knows that you are.
6.Be Positive:
Begin and end the call with a positive note. A pleasant ‘hello’ and even a broad smile when on a call often compensates for a physical handshake. Moreover, smiling will make you sound professional and confident. Apart from this, make sure that the words you use rightly convey your message and don’t throw the interview into another direction.
7.Follow-Up After The Interview:
Before you end the call, thank the interviewer for his or her time, show your interest in the job and request a face-to-face interview. Say something to the effect of, “Thanks for the call. I like what I heard and hope it is the same for you, I am confident I could fill the role. I am very interested in this job and would be pleased to meet you in person. What is the next step?”
You can also practice these steps with your friends before you actually receive an interview call.
