It is important to prepare thoroughly for your telephone interview.
Begin by studying the job description and the candidate profile. This will enable you to identify the company's particular needs and demonstrate that you possess the skills required to meet them.
Find out all you can about the company's products, services, history, and culture. Make a special effort to identify any areas where your skills and experience may be of particular value.
Familiarize yourself with the company's website and be prepared to comment constructively upon it if asked.
Prepare a list matching your accomplishments to the company's stated requirements. Keep this list in front of you during the interview and refer to it at every opportunity.
Specify and quantify your accomplishments, e.g. 'increased sales by 35%' or 'reduced overheads by 27%'.
Interviewers are keen to hear about relevant challenges or problems you faced in the workplace, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results you achieved. They seek to identify key competencies such as communication skills, analytical skills, teamwork, drive and initiative. Be prepared to give examples of how and when you have demonstrated these key competencies.
To get the feel of being interviewed over the phone, compile a list of probable questions and ask a friend use them in a simulated phone interview. Prepare your answers carefully, using key words and phrases from the job description and candidate profile. Do not attempt to write out your answers in full or they will sound wooden and scripted.
Select a quiet place where you will not be disturbed during the phone call. Keep your resume and cover letter, a copy of the job advertisement, and your notes in front of you. Jot down key points throughout the course of the interview.
It is a good idea to stand during a telephone interview as this makes you sound more confident and helps project a positive and professional image.
Matching your speaking rate and pitch to that of the interviewer will help you to establish rapport.
Professional radio broadcasters can vouch for the fact that smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression. So make an effort to smile appropriately during the call.
Since it is important to convey the impression that you are genuinely interested in the company and eager to make a contribution, refer to salient information you discovered during the course of your research.
Listen attentively to the interviewer's questions and comments. Respond appropriately to verbal or tonal cues. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. Provide well-developed, balanced, and analytical answers. Avoid monosyllabic 'yes' and 'no' replies.
If asked to explain your reasons for leaving your previous job, make sure to have positive reasons prepared. Under no circumstances should you criticize your previous employers or colleagues. Having researched the company and analyzed the job description as suggested, you should find it easy to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer when afforded the opportunity.
At the end of the phone call, emphasize your interest in the job and the company and reiterate your qualifications. Stress that you would welcome the opportunity of a face-to-face interview.
After the interview, write a short thank-you letter.
Visit the author's website at: http://www.assignmentsplus.com
Gerard McLoughlin, author of 'Four Minutes To Interview Success', has contributed career-related articles to hundreds of recruitment companies, websites and publications throughout the world, including: USA Today, JobBankUSA.com, US-Recruiters.com, etc.
To receive FREE career tips on a regular basis, sign up today for The Assignments Plus Newsletter.
She stretches in the break room for 30 minutes before... Read More
Many years ago searching for a federal job was a... Read More
Interview Question, "Tell Me Something About Yourself?""Tell me about yourself"... Read More
If your career has gone off the road, take control... Read More
Use a resume as a foot in the doorWhen you... Read More
In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More
You have to ask --- IS a FRANCHISE FOR YOU?There... Read More
Dealing with tough questions and objections is an essential part... Read More
What makes for a rich career? It is more than... Read More
You need to be the best you can at describing... Read More
At every talk I give, I ask the audience to... Read More
* If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is one of the... Read More
Have you learnt a new skill or improved upon your... Read More
Interning is about more than earning money during summer break.... Read More
Have you been spending money on countless job boards, only... Read More
To survive and thrive in today's competitive environment, it is... Read More
How would you know if your resume did or didn't... Read More
There are lots of free resume examples (or free resume... Read More
To learn a language for career advancement is one of... Read More
I wanted to quit my job. So I decided to... Read More
Cover letters are an essential ingredient to your complete résumé... Read More
Despite what some job seekers think, it is not illegal... Read More
In the process of musing about our perennially awake world... Read More
I'll define what I mean by these terms. "The Controller"... Read More
Mystery shoppers. For some it conjures up images of private... Read More
Your personal appearance is a critical component of that all-important... Read More
As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People... Read More
Writing performance reviews can be an excellent way to earn... Read More
1. Begin focusing on what you want instead of how... Read More
"You don't have to take life the way it comes... Read More
It's Not What They Ask - The Hidden Agenda of... Read More
A trade show is a great place to network, look... Read More
These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of... Read More
Mystery shoppers visit businesses "disguised as normal customers," and do... Read More
Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More
Getting an appointment for an interview these days is an... Read More
Headline from AP via Yahoo News! January 11, 2005: "Chrysler... Read More
In my career advising practice, I often find that my... Read More
Congratulations. You've been asked to write a letter of recommendation... Read More
For many Americans, an important component of the American Dream... Read More
Man is a social animal and survival is his major... Read More
Tough words... but I truly believe that folks who make... Read More
Your career, like any journey, has a beginning, an end... Read More
buWhy are so many people unhappy in their work situation?... Read More
Looking for a job involves a wide range of responsibilities:... Read More
The US Army Corp of Engineers and numerous private companies... Read More
Obviously, there are RIGHT ways to move UP the ladder.... Read More
Whether you're self-employed or you work for someone else, you're... Read More
How will you respond when you're asked the following two... Read More
In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn... Read More
Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to... Read More
Landing a telecommute position isn't easy. Finding them in the... Read More
The traditional model of career choice suggests a linear pattern.... Read More
Are you looking for a job -- really looking? Or... Read More
Most jobs on farms in the UK involve picking strawberries... Read More
The increasing globalization of business has created a demand for... Read More
Q. I'm about to graduate High School and I don't... Read More
You can learn a lot about how to do something... Read More
Well what is a good mechanic worth these days? You... Read More
Mobile oil change and mobile lubes are great for fleet... Read More
When we lose our jobs, no matter the reason, we... Read More
According to US Department of Labor statistics, the average time... Read More
Far too many people underestimate the importance of resume cover... Read More
(Des Moines, Iowa - February 2, 2005) Behaving appropriately during... Read More
Of course, mistakes are important. Two facts put those you... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |