Ten Tips to Handle a Phone Interview Successfully

chillibreeze writer — Subi Poddar

Are you thinking the employer isn’t serious because he’s asked for a phone interview rather than a face-to-face interaction? You couldn’t be more wrong. For, most companies today use the phone interview as an initial screening method to determine the prospective employee’s suitability for the job, his or her expectations, communication skills and, perhaps, the degree of ease or nervousness in unexpected situations.

So, it is important that you prepare for this virtual meeting rather seriously. Passing this test could mean taking your first step into that dream office. Here are some tips to help you through.

1. Prepare for the phone interview like you would for a face-to-face meeting
   This would include reading up in detail about the company, understanding the job profile they have in mind for you, being clear about why you want to join the company, and what you understand from their description of the job. You have to also be prepared to answer clichéd questions like how this job will help your career, what your career goals are, and your salary expectations.
2. Keep a hard copy of the covering letter and resume, which you sent to the company, in front of you
   This will help you to answer any questions related to your resume and work experience without difficulty. Also, it will ensure they hear exactly what you have sent to them. If you don’t have a hard copy and confuse some facts, like which month exactly you left your previous job, they might think you are lying.
3. Have a pen and pad ready, to take notes
   Being on a phone interview has its advantages. You can take notes of important issues discussed (as long as it doesn’t slow you down or distract you), such as the salary number you may discuss, the job profile, and any insights you may have gain. Also make notes of questions that arise during your conversation, which you may want to ask at the end of the interview.
4. Ensure you have a glass of water close by
   There is always the chance that you might be a little nervous, if this is your first phone interview. To ensure your voice is warm and natural, take a sip of water before you begin and, if you need, while the interviewer is asking a question that might demand a longish answer.
5. Make a list of questions you might want to ask about the company
   Interviewers always ask the interviewee whether he or she has any questions about the company or job. Use the opportunity of a phone interview to have a prepared list before you so that you don’t miss out on anything important.
6. Ensure you are at a quiet spot, if you can help it.
   If you have fixed the time for the call a couple of days in advance, it is best you get to a quiet spot for the interview. This will ensure there are no unforeseen distractions of noise or people while you take the call. It will also help you remain focused on the conversation. If, however, you have to step out of office to take the call quite unexpectedly, ask for a better time, or express your helplessness about the noise around. The interviewer will surely understand.
7. If you are on the cell phone, ensure the call waiting option is turned off, and you’re in a place where connectivity is perfect
   It’s best to take an interview call on a fixed line to avoid distractions such as call drops or beeps indicating another caller is on the line. However, if you have to talk on the cell phone, then make sure the call waiting option is switched off and you are in a place where the connection won’t suddenly drop. This will save you the embarrassment of having to call back and apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
8. If you are the sort who walks around while talking, do just that. Be natural.
   Take the call in whichever position you usually take official calls. Lots of people are in the habit of walking and talking. If you are one of them, do just that. The idea is to be natural and take the call in a familiar set up so that you don’t add to your nervousness or tension.
9. If you are taking the call at home, don’t do it in your night wear
   This is just so that you realize the seriousness of the call. Like we said in the beginning, this could be the first step into that dream company. Dressing for the interview will help you give the call the importance it deserves.
10. Keep your answers short.
    Don’t get into lengthy or defensive explanations on the phone. You must at no point lose the attention of the interviewer. Being direct and crisp with your answers also reflects your personality – that you are a quick worker and waste no time on unnecessary issues.

So go ahead, take that call. Smile (the interviewer will sense you are at ease), talk confidently and always be honest. If there is something you don’t know, say so. Most importantly, relax, and everything will go just fine.

Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.

 

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—About our writer: Subi's favorite passtime is to sit by the sea and watch the waves rush in. She loves Italian food with lots of cheese and red wine.

 

 

 

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