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TIPS TO ACE YOUR PHONE INTERVIEW

Jul 17, 2019

TIPS TO ACE YOUR PHONE INTERVIEW

Receiving a phone interview is like making the first cut in dodge ball – you’re excited you made it but know you can just as easily get out in the second round. In other words, phone interviews can be scary, but they don’t have to be. So, we put together a list of the most crucial phone interview tips to help you ace the call and get that second interview. 
BE PREPARED
Okay, this is obvious, but I’m not just talking about practicing answering the phone with your most put together “hello”. I’m referring to being prepared in ways like:
  • Making sure your voicemail (If they have to leave one) is professional & has room for messages.
  • Knowing who you might receive a phone call from if you’ve applied to multiple places. 
  • Preparing questions & answers. 
  • Having your resume in sight and available at all times. 
A good rule of thumb is to prepare for a phone interview just as much as you would for an in person interview. So, making sure you have taken the necessary steps before the phone call is crucial.
PROPER ETIQUETTE
While you may not be face to face in a phone interview, it is still crucial to practice proper etiquette. Here are some simple ways to practice proper phone etiquette:
  • Make sure you’ve let others know about the call so they can be on their best behavior as well.
  • Remove / put away all distractions (laptop, kids, pets, music, etc.) 
  • Make sure your phone is charged.
  • Answer with your name, i.e, “Hello, this is ____” so the interviewer immediately knows they’ve reached the right person.
  • Avoid the habit of multitasking.
She definitely looks prepared to ace this call!
 A phone interviewer should be treated with the same respect as an in person interviewer. So, no surfing the web, making your bed, or doing your makeup while on a phone interview. This is not the time to be planning what’s for dinner or when you’re finally going to clean the bathroom. This is the time to put all your energy into marketing yourself the best you can through a phone call. 
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Phone interviews can take some serious stress out of an interview, but they can also add an extra challenge since nonverbal communication is no longer an option.
We suggest sitting down at a desk or table with your notebook, company notes, and resume in front of you. Another great tip is to simply smile while talking. It’s no surprise that when you smile, your entire demeanor, including your voice, changes in a positive way. Looking into a mirror while talking can actually help remind you to do this. Additionally, if you have a scheduled time for your phone interview, some suggest dressing professionally for the call. This will encourage professionalism during the call and could improve your chances of making a lasting impression. Then again, one of the great things about phone interviews is that you can be in the comfort of your pajamas if you’d like!
Lastly, make the call worth the interviewers time. You have no clue how many calls this interviewer may make in one day. Therefore, doing your best to communicate an appreciative attitude for the interviewer’s time, no matter how well or poorly the call went, is a must. 
We hope these tips were useful & help you ace your phone interview! For more employment tips, check out our blog.
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