How to Prepare For a Job Interview by Phone

Before you even sit down to speak to the interviewer on the phone, there are some important things you should remember. First, remember to establish a rapport with the interviewer, and connect the dots between what the job description asks for and your experience. Also, be clear and speak with a level of enthusiasm. In addition, practice the interview as if it were the real thing.

Establishing A Rapport

Establishing a rapport is vital to your success in a job interview, whether it’s in person or over the phone. It’s important to listen carefully to the interviewer and be interested in the subject matter at hand.

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Been Attentive and Focused

Establish rapport by answering questions in a way that shows you’re attentive and interested. As you do so, the conversation will shift from one-way to two-way. In addition, you should be relaxed and enthusiastic when answering questions.

Establishing rapport before a job interview by phone is not difficult, and can be broken into two phases. Phase one focuses on the skills you need to develop during the initial contact, while phase two concentrates on the skills you’ll need once you have established contact.

Typically, people respond with a reflexive or automatic response when asked a question. Often, this reflexive response will result in “no thanks” or a similar response.

Understand The Emotions Of The Interviewer

During the initial stage of the interview, it’s crucial to understand the emotions of the interviewer and create an environment that helps them relax. Try to imagine the prospective employer as a guest in your home.

You want to make them feel comfortable and welcome. In addition, you should ask questions to gain an understanding of the prospective employer. Studies have shown that people who ask more questions are more liked by conversation partners.

Once you have a sense of who the person is, it’s time to begin talking about common interests. This will allow the interviewee to open up and reveal personal information. This is where the real work of rapport-building begins.

Connecting The Dots Between What The Job Description Is Looking For And Your Experience

Connecting the dots between what the job description says and your experience is essential in any interview. Read through the description carefully, and highlight important parts. If you can, make a paper copy, so that you can easily browse through it without being distracted by background noise.

Create a list of the important points in the job description that relate to your experience. This list serves as your cheat sheet and will help you connect the dots between what the job description is looking for and your experience.

If the job description requires a certain level of expertise, highlight it. For example, if you’ve previously organized and managed an online event, write down the details. In this way, you can demonstrate how applicable your experience is to the position.

You should also do background research on the company before the interview. Try to understand the company’s business model, the needs of the department you’d like to apply for, and the role in which you’d fit in. Also, be sure to highlight your relevant experience, expertise, and knowledge of the market.

When you’re preparing for a job interview by phone, you should also be thinking about how you’ll be able to contribute to the company’s objectives. It’s important to think about your long-term career goals. The right job should advance your career.

Speak Clearly And With A Level Of Enthusiasm

When you speak over the phone, your tone of voice will be crucial. Do not allow yourself to speak with too much dead air. Also, do not chew gum or eat when talking on the phone. Keep a glass of water nearby to keep you hydrated. It is also helpful to stand up during the interview to keep you focused and free from distractions. Additionally, remember to smile when you answer the phone to project a positive and enthusiastic image.

Speak clearly, and show your enthusiasm. Whether it is an in-person interview or a phone interview, remember that your tone is the first thing hiring managers look at when deciding whether to hire you.

If your tone is a little monotonous and lacks enthusiasm, the interviewer may think you are uninterested and unprofessional. If you show your enthusiasm by asking questions, you’ll appear more enthusiastic and interested in the position.

Keep Tabs on Your Resume

Be sure to have your resume readily accessible before the phone interview. Also, make sure you have a short list of skills and qualifications handy. You might even want to have a “cheat sheet” or pad and pen handy to take notes on your answers. Notes can help you focus during the conversation and help you remember key points. It’s best to write them down by hand as typing on your cell phone could distract you.

If you don’t feel comfortable speaking on the phone, it’s best to do a practice run. You can record yourself so you can identify any mistakes and improve your pronunciation. Practice speaking clearly and using pauses when appropriate.

Practice The Interview As Though It Were The Real Thing

First, practice answering the phone as if it were the real thing. You should make sure your voice sounds perky and that you don’t leave too much dead air when speaking. Also, it is a good idea to have a “cheat sheet,” which can be a simple pad and pen with your resume and other information handy.

Secondly, try to concentrate on the interviewer’s tone of voice. Smile when you talk on the phone. It will project a positive image to the listener and change the tone of your voice.

Thirdly, you can use a friend to act as a mock interviewer. Try to use a friend who works in a similar field and position as you. Ideally, your friend would be able to offer you honest feedback. A professional friend would be more knowledgeable and insightful in their critiques.

If you are preparing for a telephonic interview, dressing up formally is not necessary. However it is till important to dress comfortably in fashion that enables you relax, focus and envision the prospective work environment.

Ask for Help and Clarity Where Need Be

 It is also a good idea to ask for help if you need it. For example, you can tap into your career services center if you’re in college. Alternatively, you can consult a career advisor. Lastly, make sure you conduct the mock interview in a professional setting.

After the interview, write down notes to reflect on your performance. Review them so you can improve your performance on the next interview. Finally, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time. This will help make a good impression and stay on the hiring manager’s mind.

Practice Answering Questions

During a job interview by phone, you will need to know the right way to respond to questions. During the question portion, the interviewer may mention things or people that are related to the job. When possible, tie these details back to the job opportunity.

Make sure you pause before answering, and make sure you’re not talking over the other person. In addition, it’s best to be in a quiet room. If possible, you should also avoid using a cell phone. It can cause problems with reception and battery life.

Also, using a Bluetooth device or speaker phone can distort your voice. You may also want to keep a glass of water handy during the interview.

During a job interview by phone, the hiring manager will usually ask a few questions in order to get a feel for the candidate.

How Long Do Phone Interviews Normally Last?

Typically, a phone interview lasts for twenty to thirty minutes. In this time frame, the interviewer does not want to waste too much time on a few questions. This makes it important to practice answering questions so that you can make them sound natural and easy to answer.

Before your interview by phone, you should prepare your answers to common questions. This way, you will avoid becoming nervous. Moreover, you should research the company’s mission, goals, and culture. It will help you to answer questions in a way that will align with the company’s needs and values.

You should also prepare a list of questions relevant to the job description. Besides practicing answering the questions, you should also practice speaking in a confident manner. It is also helpful to ask friends and family to act as your mock interviewers.

Wishing you all the best.