Companies sometimes opt for phone interviews to screen potential new hires. Phone interviews are usually seen as a preliminary gauge of whether a candidate should be invited for a face-to-face interview.
In many ways, preparing for a phone interview is the same as for a face-to-face interview. Here are some tips to help you do well for phone interviews:
Always be prepared
You should be focused and always be prepared with knowledge of both the company and the job you’re applying for. One benefit of having a phone interview is that you can have company materials in front of you for handy reference.
Some like to have the company’s website in front of them on a computer screen and others like to have a copy of their resume or job description. Figure out what works best for you and have those things available before you take the call.
Find a suitable location
When you’ve set an appointment with the interviewer, be sure to find a place that is convenient to talk. Whether it’s in your room or in the study, finding the right place matters a lot because you should only be focusing on what the interviewer is saying. It’s very difficult to do so when there are other things competing for your attention.
A suitable location eradicates any form of distraction or unnecessary disturbance that may cause the person on the other end to feel aggravated due to the surrounding noise. Background noises can also be distracting to the interviewer. Remember, you want to make sure that the interviewer knows you are taking the interview seriously.
Good phone connection
Having a good telephone connection is another thing that many people fail to consider, especially if you’re receiving the call on your mobile phone. Choosing the right location would make a lot of difference because it can affect the strength of your mobile reception. Certain buildings or houses have thicker walls, thereby causing the connection to drop in and out.
You’d rather have a smooth conversation and avoid having to repeat yourself multiple times over the course of the interview. The last thing you want is for the problem to interrupt your train of thought, which could be distracting to the person on the other end. But if you don’t want to risk poor phone reception or even worse, disconnection, opt for the more reliable fixed line.
Leave a good impression
Be courteous and thank your interviewers. With no eye contact and a good handshake to seal the end of the interview, your last impression will hinge upon how well the phone call ends.
Sending an email to thank the interviewer may seem like a simple exercise but it is also a powerful courtesy that can even help an interviewer remember you better.
More often than not, you are given the opportunity to prepare for a phone interview. However, sometimes the opportunity may come when you least expect it, so make sure to be ready at all times!
This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
This article first appeared on Borneo Post on this link: http://bit.ly/1SkRoiY
