Free Career and Job Search Advice

mikeyj

Getting a phone interview means they see you as someone who could do the job

The recruitment process is all about whittling the numbers down from a pile of applications to that one person. The first step for employers and recruitment agencies is to create a shortlist of people for the all important face to face interview. Interviewing by phone helps them do this with flexibility and speed.

So, congratulations! You’ve made it this far. Plenty of people won’t have. To make the most of the opportunity you need to think about the challenges of being interviewed over the phone and how to cope with them.

What is the process?

The employer likes how you look on paper. Now they are looking to get to know you a bit better. Most of the time this means talking a little about your working background, and why you are interested in the position.

Make no mistake, being interviewed over the phone is a real part of the interview process. This is never a casual chat. Your number one aim is to ensure you get invited to that face-to-face interview. Don’t lose out here. Show you are suitable and create the right impression: You are someone, capable, willing and able to do the job.

Challenges of the phone interview

• Body language and what we see have a lot to do with communicating. You and the interviewer have to do without that. This means you have to really make sure your message is working for you.

• Your voice and accent may take on extra significance.

• It may be more difficult to build rapport over the phone.

• They can’t see you – how do you convey your enthusiasm and personality?

• You must work harder to make sure you understand the questions

• It might come at an awkward time

• You have less time to impress

Don’t be daunted by the challenges. It's time to find out how to deal with them. You can read part 2 of this article for the phone interview tips that will help you right here; www.interview-tips-that-work.com/phone-interview-tips.html

Good luck Very Happy

stormbind · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 5:00 am Post subject:

I really do not want to give any telephone interviews because my home environment is unsuitable. Specifically, neighbours can hear one another through the floors of this old converted building and it makes me very self-conscious.

Do you have any tips for skipping the round on mitigating circumstances? Embarassed

mikeyj · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject:

Stormbind,

as far as your home environment you may not need to worry about this as it's highly likely a phone interview will take place during office hours. Do you work from home? The typical challenge is finding a convenient time and space at work.

If you are at home though, I'd say its worth going ahead despite how self conscious you may feel. Don't hold back from an opportunity because you are worried about what other people may, or may not think.
If you are interested in the position I'd say it is worth a few self conscious minutes on the phone to give yourself the chance to get a job you really want.

Good luck Very Happy

Join our Newsletter
CopyRight © 1999-2008 cvtips.com This material cannot be published under any form or condition.