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   Phone Interviews by Henry Wallwork
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In times of an economic downturn, it is usual for more people to apply for each job being offered than when business is booming. This means job seekers face more competition than ever when they apply for a post. Sending a good letter of application and a focused resume or CV (curriculum vitae) is more important than ever to get you to an interview. However, it is now quite common for companies to put one more qualifying step into the job application process to keep the process as cost-effective as possible. And this step is an interview over the phone.



A phone interview allows a company to screen a large number of applicants in a short space of time for relatively little cost. So, if you are applying for jobs now, you are more likely to face a first interview by phone. Here are some tips on giving an interviewer a good impression over the phone.

Nothing beats good preparation. If you can, phone the company in advance and try to find out as much as possible about the skills profile they are looking for. Then list out how you compare to this, noting all your positive points and weaknesses. Think about the possible questions the interviewer will ask. Write these down and add a few key words as the answers. Tape this list near the phone. Then get a friend to call you and ask you all the tough interview questions they can. This will give you practice in looking at the list and giving answers without any awkwardness. Tape your CV next to the list - or keep it in clear sight throughout the phone call. It is surprising how helpful you will find this to structure information in your replies.

Finally, it is a good idea to record yourself in a practice session. This will help you hear all the "ums" and "ahs" you make as you answer. You can then practice ways to reduce these so that you sound as confident and self-assured as you can. Do not be afraid to ask for a moment to prepare your answer. People are often scared of silence on the phone. But your interviewer will be more impressed if you say "May I have a moment to think that through" than if you plunge straight in and try to answer something you are not mentally prepared for.

Have a pen and paper close at hand so you can make notes throughout the call. Always note the name of the people interviewing you. Always use their title (Dr, Mr, Mrs etc.) unless they specifically tell you to use their first name. This helps you to connect with the interviewer. But do not overdo this. There is nothing more forced than over-using the name of a person you do not know and cannot see!

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Glossary

Awkwardness (n)
slightly wrong and ungraceful.

Confident (adj)
not nervous or fearful; believing in one's own abilities.

Plunge (v)
to fall quickly.
  Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 October 2009 13:05 )