DO YOU KNOW HOW TO KILL THE PHONE INTERVIEW?

HERE ARE THE CERTIFIED WAYS TO WIN THE PHONE INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE INVITED BY EMPLOYER

In Globalization, communication have been the great asset to people in different area of specialization. Today people can be able to connect via technological devices backed up by advancement of internet and digital technology.

Most of the Industrial demands have changed rapidly especially in the venue of Recruitment process where by they prefer technology in hiring new staffs. Therefore no room exists to escape the sad truth of Phone interview in chasing for the new job opportunities.

CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) AND JOB INTERVIEWS

COVID-19 is affecting the way businesses recruit new candidates. While a small number of business are still holding face-to-face interviews, the majority of organisations are unlikely to do so until the current social distancing restrictions come to an end. Because of this, it's now more important than ever to make sure that your telephone and video interview skills are up to scratch.

LETS GET STARTED!

A telephone interview is a pre-scheduled job interview, typically lasting half an hour. With technological advancements video interviews are becoming increasingly popular, but plenty of employers still use telephone interviews as part of their recruitment process.

Popular because they save time and help to keep interview costs down, telephone interviews also eliminate travel costs for the interviewee. However, they do have a downside. In most cases you'll be answering questions under a strict time limit and this can increase nerves. Not being able to see the interviewer also presents its own difficulties, as you're unable to gauge their response.

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF

A confident phone manner doesn't come naturally to all and some candidates may feel uncomfortable talking over the phone, but with the appropriate preparation this shouldn't affect your performance.

Just like in any other interview situation you need to research the industry, organisation and job. Visit the company website, competitor sites and read relevant journals and news articles. Do this in advance. Avoid surfing the web for information once you've answered the interviewer's call.

You can also plan your responses to frequently asked questions by preparing a list of examples of when and how you've demonstrated each skill or quality listed in the person specification.

To increase your confidence when talking over the phone, ask family or friends to call you for a mock interview. Use your research and planned responses to answer their questions and treat this practice as the real thing. Try recording yourself and listening back to get a feel for how you come across over the phone.

Telephone interview questions

A member of the company's HR team usually conducts telephone interviews and you should expect the same questions as in a face-to-face interview.

When answering the call you need to be professional and upbeat. If you've pre-arranged an interview time, don't be caught off guard when the phone rings. Remember that this is not an informal chat with a friend. Answer with 'Good morning/good afternoon, (your name) speaking.' Avoid using slang or informal language and maintain this professional tone throughout the interview.

When answering questions be aware of the pace of your speech. Time is limited but don't rush or mumble, despite your nerves. Be succinct and to the point.

One of the downsides to telephone interviews is that without visual clues from the interviewer it can be hard to gauge how you're doing. In a face-to-face interview you're able to take direction from the employer's body language and visual responses but this is not possible over the phone. When you're being interviewed in person you're also able to smile and nod to show the interviewer that you're engaged.

During the interview use interjections such as 'ok', 'I see' and 'I understand' to let the interviewer know you're listening. However, be careful not to interrupt them when they're talking.

Tips for telephone interviews

• Pick a suitable location - this is really important. Avoid noisy, public spaces and instead opt for a private, quiet location such as your home. If you live with family or friends warn them in advance of the call that you need some peace. Minimize background noise by closing windows and turning off televisions or radios. Turn electronic devises to silent to avoid distraction.

• Be professional - Answer the phone professionally: 'Good morning, Joe Blogs speaking' should do the trick. Address your interviewer as Miss, Mrs or Mr unless invited to use his or her first name.

  Be animated and enthusiastic, but polite. Don't be over familiar and don't start chatting as if you were talking to a friend. Remember to listen carefully and try to be succinct.
  It's unlikely that you will need to ring in to an interview, but if you are ringing in, think before hand what you will say so that you don't fluff it: 'Good morning, please may I speak to Miss Jones; I have a telephone interview with her this morning.'

• Dress to impress - it may sound strange as the recruiter can't see you, but dress for an interview. You shouldn't treat telephone interviews any differently to face-to-face interviews and you wouldn't turn up to meet a potential employer in your pajamas. Dressing for the part helps to put you in a professional frame of mind and will boost your confidence.

• Stand up and smile - smile to ensure that the interviewer hears the enthusiasm in your voice from the start. To convey energy and confidence take the call standing up. At the very least make sure that you're sat upright at a table.

• Refer to your notes sparingly - being able to have application documents and notes to hand is one of the main advantages of a telephone interview, but don't rely on them too heavily. The employer will hear if you're rustling papers and will be able to tell if you're reciting answers from pre-prepared notes. Instead of reams of paper use concise bullet points as prompts.

• Have a glass of water nearby - interview nerves and lots of talking can lead to dry mouth, which isn't ideal when you're trying to eloquently express yourself.

• Don't be afraid to ask for clarification - if you miss a particular question don't try to second guess what it might have been. Apologize and politely ask the interviewer if they can repeat it.

• Take notes - if you're able to multitask jot down any useful information provided by the employer and the questions you're asked during the interview. These notes could be a valuable resource if you're invited for a second interview.

Telephone interview turn offs

Lots of background noise: cafes are not good places to take the interview call.

Munching and slurping: have a glass of water nearby just in case your mouth goes dry mid call, but don't eat or drink proper while taking part in a telephone interview.

Taking other calls or responding to texts: switch off your mobile if you are using a landline; switch off your landline if you are using your mobile... or move to another room.

Multitasking: resist the urge to reply to emails, check your Facebook page, make your lunch, wash up, and so on. Focus only on the person at the other end of the line.

Being too laid back, literally: Don't slouch on the couch; sit up straight, as it will help you feel and sound more confident and alert. Some people find taking calls standing up immediately gives energy to their conversation.

Following up a telephone interview

Don't end the interview with a polite 'thanks' and just hang up. As in face-to-face interviews, employers expect you to have a couple of questions of your own. These could be about the role or the company. Stay away from questions about salary, holiday entitlement or start dates.