By Saleha Ashfaq
Phone interviews have gained a lot of popularity in recent years by many organizations looking to screen candidates during the initial stages of the recruitment process. Many people consider the phone interview more intimidating than an actual face-to-face interview. However, just like an actual interview, appropriate preparation and presentation are required to effectively pass this phase. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when you are preparing for an upcoming phone interview:
- Be Prepared:Research the company and the job you are applying for. Make sure you are aware of what type of candidate the company is seeking and then highlight those skills on your resume. Also, prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview that show your interest and knowledge about the organization.
2. Reserve a Quiet Spot: Make sure you are in a quiet place with good phone service to conduct your phone interview. Also, it is recommended that you have a place to neatly hold all your documents that you may need during the interview. You can now reserve an interview room in the Office of Career Services that provides an ideal setting for the interview.
3. Listen Carefully: Do not answer the question until you fully understand what is being asked. If you know what the question is, you are more likely to provide a clear and concise response.
4. Pay Attention to Your Tone: People cannot see your body language; all they hear is the tone of your voice. Speak naturally, like you would in a conversation. You do not want to speak in an overly excited manner because it might make you seem eager. However, you also do not want to speak in a monotone as it can make you seem uninterested. Sit up straight, remember to smile, and dress the part. This will put you in the right frame of mind for a successful interview.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice: Anticipate the questions that will be asked of you and rehearse the answers. For example: a common question in most interviews is “tell me about yourself?” Practice what you want the employer to know. The more you practice, the more prepared and confident you will be during the interview.
Here are a few resources that will further help you prepare for your upcoming phone interview.
- http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/phoneinterview.htm
- http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/02/18/7-tips-to-ace-a-phone-interview
- http://www.yale.edu/hronline/startcareer/resources/docs/interview_tips.pdf
Career Services is also a great resource. Feel free to contact us to schedule a time to meet to discuss the interview process, set-up a mock interview or to reserve an interview room. You can contact us at 508-213-2489 or careerservices@nichols.edu.
