Don't Get Hung Up on During a Phone Interview. | iCapitalMarketing.com

Don't Get Hung Up on During a Phone Interview.

Don't worry, it is highly unlikely that you would ever get hung up on during a phone interview. If you do though, please share. Remember that the phone interview process is essentially the same as a normal interview, but without certain elements and benefits of in-person communication. Here are some ideas to review prior to a phone interview which should help sharpen our telephone skills.

The person on the other end of the telephone may be just as uncomfortable as you. Concentrate less on any feelings of inadequacy and more on how to make the other person feel at ease. Many people generally do not like the telephone interview process – remember that it works both ways.

You have heard it before, because it really does works. Smile over the telephone. Believe it or not, smiling while you are talking will actually help you to sound more friendly, confident, and open. Many telemarketers, salespeople, and others who do business over the phone have a mirror on their desk so they can remember to smile.

During the telephone interview, you are judged by the same criteria used in an in-person interview. Self-confidence is judged differently by telephone than in-person where eye contact, for example, can be an excellent barometer. Instead, you will be judged by a much more subtle set of factors such as the sound of your voice, sincerity, enthusiasm, etc. Remember, being very honest is a quality that will make a great impression on the interviewer. It is acceptable not to know everything, nobody does, so do not be afraid to say "I have never worked with that, but I am very interested in learning and I believe I have the skills to do it".

The ability to speak succinctly about your past experiences and accomplishments will be critical. Many technical professionals launch into long, drawn out answers to telephone interview questions. Remember, you are not being judged on how well you speak, but how well you answer questions. Always stay very positive about your previous employers and managers.

Many people find that the most uncomfortable scenario in a telephone interview is the occasional dead air during the conversation. An occasional pause is natural and normal during a conversation, so do not be alarmed if it happens. It is important to have a list of questions prepared so that you can refer to them when caught in a slow spot.

Although you are always judged on your ability to listen well, nowhere in the recruiting process do listening skills become more important than in the phone interview. We suggest that you close off all thoughts about whatever is going on around you and concentrate on the words and the voice of the interviewer. By listening intently, you will never have to be concerned with what to say next and the conversation will flow nicely.

Prepare for a phone interview just like you would an in-person meeting. Do not take a phone interview too lightly or casually. That would be a huge mistake. Be prepared, do your homework, and give the phone interview your full attention. Stop what you are doing, such as driving, prior to the call and review your notes and get into the correct mindset. Being unprepared will shine through to the person you are speaking with. Your goal is to get to the next step which is meet the hiring manager in person. Nobody has ever gotten hired from a phone call, so you need to be invited for a formal interview.

Article written and provided by iCapitalMarketing .com, a blog targeting the three interrelated components required for career, business, and financial success; Preparation, Hard Work, and Emotional Intelligence. The opportunity to thrive is limitless. Keep improving and increasing your value in the marketplace.

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