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How to Ace a Telephone Job Interview
By Kevin Donlin,
CollegeRecruiter.com
A job interview by telephone can be an exercise
in frustration, full of awkward silences. Or, it can be a chance
to set yourself apart from the competition. In either case, it's
all in how you prepare.
Here are three tips to help you prepare for and ace your next
telephone interview:
- Do your homework.
You can make a tremendous first impression by researching your
potential employer online or in your local library. Your goal
is twofold: know the company and its products (so you can talk
intelligently) and know the company's problems and competitors
(so you can offer solutions).
Things to look for on a corporate web site include annual
reports, mission statements and service descriptions. And be
sure to check out the job postings, which can shed light on a
company's future direction.
You should also use your research to devise two to three
solutions to problems your potential employer might face.
Examples: new technology from competitors, low-priced imports,
etc. Consider writing your solutions down and e-mailing or
faxing them to the employer before your phone interview --
this will REALLY give you something to talk about.
- Show your stuff.
Since you won't be face to face with your interviewers, it's
important for you to prove you can do the job during your
conversation. Years ago, I did a telephone interview for a
position as a high school German teacher and had to speak that
language for 20 minutes. (I'm now a resume writer, which tells
you something about my German ability.)
What can you prove by phone? Try to anticipate the questions
you'll be asked that demonstrate you can do the job. Then,
prepare accordingly.
- Mind your mannerisms.
When you talk on the phone, smile. Believe it or not, smiling
as you talk makes your voice sound much more friendly and
enthusiastic. For practice, put on a big smile and go
re-record the message on your answering machine. Then listen
to the difference.
Finally, stay focused during your telephone interview. It's
easy to get distracted by happy chat or background noises.
There'll be plenty of time to discuss sports and weather after
you've been hired.
Best of luck to you!
-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "Resume and Cover Letter
Secrets Revealed," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30
days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit
CollegeRecruiter.com
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