How to Win at Telephone Interviews
For the more hotly contested jobs in the market it’s not unusual for the first round of interviews to be over the phone.
This can be an uncomfortable experience for even the best-trained job seekers.
The reasons are numerous – you are often in the middle of something else when you ring, you may be out and about on your cell phone so can’t hear them properly. Maybe you’re tired. All of these factors and more can contribute to the stress of the situation.
So when there is a chance of a telephone interview a game plan is essential.
Here, then, are 5 tips to help you get the upper hand when it comes to telephone interviews.
1) Use Your Cell Phone
I would suggest carrying out your telephone interview on your cellphone. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, you’re unlikely to miss the call. You always want to be interviewed then and there if possible. You stand out as a professional and reduce the chances of an interviewer finding someone so good they don’t bother calling you back.
Secondly most cell phones have caller id so you can see the incoming call.
That way you can make an educated guess as to whether it is a potential interview or not. Answering your phone while half asleep, when you expect it to be your girlfriend, while at a bar etc. are all unwise moves.
If you see a number calling that you don’t recognise, compose yourself, quickly find somewhere quiet and answer it politely and professionally. “Good morning, John speaking”. Much better than a slurred “Yeah?” while out at a bar!
Lastly, as soon as they ring off you can save the number into your phone for the next time they call.
2) Sleep Business Hours
If you’re currently unemployed or work shifts you may sleep some funny hours. You may have days off during the week. You may not get to bed till late etc.
Most telephone interviews will be carried out between 9 and 5 on a weekday so ensure you’re as free and ready as possible at that time. Don’t sleep till 1pm and miss the call. Don’t go to a baseball match where the crowd is so loud you can’t think when they call.
Outside of those hours, do what you like.
3) Do Your Research
Try to get some ideas on the job. Keep the advert and any research you do so that when they *do* call you can open your folder and you’ve got essentially a que card to help keep your mind focused.
4) Maintain Your Poise
Voice coaches suggest standing up (or even walking around) and physically forcing yourself to smile will make your voice sound friendly, warm and energetic. You can get excited. You can use your hands to talk. Just don’t sit in a heap with a frown on your face. A telephone interview is a performance, so make it good! Your interviewer will notice how different you sound to all the other peopke they have rung so far that day – and that’s a good thing!
5) Build Rapport
Wherever you can, try to biuld rapport with the caller. Simple often works. Here’s an example of how the coversation might go if you put some effort in…
- Good morning, John speaking.
- Hello John, this is Natasha calling from XYZ Inc. I’ve been looking over your resume and I wondered if you had a few minutes to spare so we can have a chat about it?
- Sure Natasha. Now is fine. How’s your day going so far?
- Not too bad actually John – thanks for asking.
And so on. Instant rapport. Natasha will remember you. You levelled with her. You were as interested in her as she is in you. And people love to talk about themselves – so use this to your advantage.
Make the most of these 5 points and you will certainly prove to be a cut above the rest and should have some real successes with telephone interviews.
Interview Coaching: a Home-based Business on the Cutting Edge
Who would believe that someone with a home-based business can reach out to a far away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell phone? That is exactly what I did last month with a man in Israel who was going to interview there. And, he not only got the job, but he was able to negotiate a higher salary after our work together.
The business of coaching in general is quietly taking over the $427 Billion home-business sector by storm. If you are interested in getting in on this wave you will first need to find a niche. A niche that will satisfy your needs – where you can make a difference and some good money at the same time.
My niche is Interview Coaching, which is my way to connect with people all over the United States and beyond. To be able to reach out and help someone – and to be appreciated is what my business is about. Can you think of a better way to make a living?
You might think that just anyone could hang advertise themselves as an Interview Coach. In reality they can do that, but that doesn’t mean they have what it takes to do a good job for their clients or themselves.
Here’s a little quiz to determine if this might be a niche for you to explore further.
__ I am an excellent listener
You should be able to really “hear” people when they talk. You can pick up on hidden things they’re saying if you read between the lines.
__ I am good at “reading” people –
Some people say they are “people persons” but they don’t know how to look beyond what is on the surface. That’s a special gift that will make you very successful at this business.
__ I have great communication skills
Good communication skills begin with listening and then letting the person know that they have been heard. It is also adjusting your communication level to match the person you are talking to – whether it is with an executive or a laboratory assistant.
__ I am patient and will take time to explain what needs to change
Some people do not have the patience to listen to a long story or to have to explain something over in several different ways to get the point across.
__ I am capable of giving straight forward feedback
How do you tell someone that they aren’t doing something affectively? You give straight-forward facts that are sometimes difficult to say. Not giving honest advice will take away from the value of your coaching.
__ I would make a great teacher/coach
If you are starting out, you have to determine if you want to spend time with people teaching them new skills and techniques that will make a difference in their lives.
__ I have patience and good customer service skills
Sometimes people change their minds, cancel appointments, don’t show up for appointments. It’s all part of having a business. Your customer service policy will be of your own choosing and values.
__ I’m good at figuring out problems
This is the most exciting part of interview coaching. To ask the questions and find out what is going on. Asking many questions and listening and reading between the lines will give you clues to helping the person succeed.
__ I want to make a difference
You’ve come to the right place. You can help people change their lives. You can help them to be more competitive in the job market. You can show them that they have power in the interview process.
__ I’m good at giving motivational reinforcement
After you’ve given them the straight-forward feedback you will have to work to build their esteem back to a place where they will appreciate they have something to offer.
How many checks were you able to put on the list? If you have six out of the ten skills required – or higher – this may be a place for you to explore.
Being an interview coach offers new challenges and the chance to play many roles during a single day. The roles may vary with each client. The clients are all different –people in transition, or up for an internal promotion, or changing fields, or young people entering the work force. And, don’t forget the “walking wounded” – who have been laid off, or fired.. These people need help – they need encouragement – they need caring for.
What is life after all if it isn’t about making a difference? You can make a difference in your own life as well as other peoples’ lives – over, and over, and over – extending all over the world. You can make a difference as an Interview Coach.