Job phone interview tipsThe phone interview or screening can be very nerve wracking because despite how well you prepare the advantage is clearly in favor of the employer. We all know the standard interview questions and we can normally gauge the tone of the interview by observing the body language of the employer but we are flying by the seat of our pants when it comes to the phone conversation that may, indeed determine whether or not we are asked to come in for a personal interview.The problem is control and the factors that can sink us out of contention are as many as they are varied. The tendency to act differently during the phone interview is based on our phone personality; Do we change our tone of voice? Do we lead or follow during personal conversations? Can we deal with prolonged periods of silence while the interviewer consults notes? Are we compelled to cram words into every pause? In my experience I have to look at the phone screening as a tool and not a weapon because it is my best opportunity to get in front of decision makers in the potential interview at their office. I remember doing some work for a recruiting agency many years ago and we conducted as many interviews and screenings as possible by phone because it was the most time efficient way to reduce the tower of resumes we had to go through. The jobs ranged from entry level to management and one thing was for certain, candidates would inevitably call to follow through on the resumes they sent and we thought it was better to control the process by being proactive and they, in turn, would know we did not forget about them. The problem was we had a very loose criteria…we made 3 piles of resumes and it amounted to green light, yellow light and of course…red light. When you have several hundred resumes you are bound to see many unqualified applicants, so that went into the red pile…the few that made it into the green light category were given to another recruiter to give a second opinion and the yellow light pile of candidates were “guilty until proven innocent” The best way to do that was to start dialing and look for any excuse to disqualify them! We always wanted to know how they sounded...did they listen well and answer the question or did they interrupt and “sell you” with breathless retelling of all their achievements? In truth, I could hardly blame people for maximizing their opportunity to set themselves apart…but that didn’t mean I would pass them onto the interview at the office phase. The other thing we always looked/listened for was whether they spoke in a low tone or high tone because that would determine their level of nervousness. In other words…high register voices were high strung and perhaps not well suited for high pressure.The advantage of being on the receiving end of the phone interview may seem minor..but believe me it is very crucial..they cannot see your body language! Why is that important? Every beginner to the study of body language knows that when people cross their arms in front of their chest it means you are defensive and are protecting yourself…but the real momentum killer in an interview is when you touch your face…it means you are lying! True, you may have an itch or some completely valid reason but it is always a good idea to avoid it if you can. Last but not least is to be completely confident the land line or cellular phone number you give will ensure that you have peace and consistent quiet…and a clear signal. Tool or weapon..what is your choice? Phone interview tips written by Ken Bownes Phone interview blogHave you got phone interview recently?Share it! Leave phone interview tips page to Home Page |
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