How to Answer Phone Interviews

Author: Robert Simon
Date Of Creation: 15 June 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Phone Interview Tips - How to Prepare for a Phone Interview
Video: Phone Interview Tips - How to Prepare for a Phone Interview

Content

If you live far away from the company for which you are applying, or if the company receives too many applications, you may be asked to do a phone interview. Your goal in the phone interview is to get to the next stage of the process, where you will have a face-to-face interview. To make a good impression, answer the phone interview exactly as you would in the face-to-face interview. You need to answer the interview call professionally, and maintain a polite and courteous voice throughout the conversation.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Respond appropriately

  1. Greet the interviewer professionally. Perhaps the most important part of the phone interview is how you answer a call when the phone vibrates. You're waiting for the call. Whether they call your personal phone number, answer the call as if you were on the phone at work.
    • Answer the phone immediately, do not let the phone vibrate more than three times. Say Hi and clearly show your full name. For example: "Hello, I am Le Hoa".

  2. Confirm that you are waiting for the call. After a greeting, the interviewer will greet you back and introduce themselves. Make a note of their name, and let them know that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
    • For example: "Hi, Mai! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today. I want to talk about the opportunity to work at your company".

  3. Speak politely to the interviewer. You should dress politely and sit up straight to get the feeling that this is a real interview. Even if you are talking on the phone, do not use too arbitrary tone.
    • When you say the interviewer's name, use that person's surname (for English speakers using the title Mr. or Ms.) or any position they said when first introduced themselves. You can also call them he / he or grandmother / sister.
    • Only call out the name of the interviewer if they ask.
    • If the interviewer compliments you or makes any positive comments, you should "thank" them.
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Method 2 of 4: Conduct for the remainder of the interview


  1. Take notes to organize your thoughts. One benefit of telephone interviews is that you can take notes when the interviewer is talking or asking questions. This can help you plan in advance what you will say and ensure that you answer the question completely.
    • If the interviewer asks a multi-part question, summarize it by writing a word or two that reminds you of each section asked. You will make an impression on the interviewer by answering in an organized manner, listing the questions asked.
  2. Listen carefully and pause for a moment before responding. When you only hear the voice without the picture, it's hard to focus. Pay attention to what your interviewer says and stay focused or thinking about what you will say.
    • Keep silent for a few seconds before you start speaking. This not only helps you ensure that the interviewer has finished speaking, but also gives you the opportunity to synthesize your thoughts before you answer.
    • If you miss part of the question, or do not understand the interviewer's question, you should clarify before giving an answer.
  3. Speak clearly and pronounce it clearly. Even with a clear connection, it's harder to understand someone over the phone than when you talk to them face to face. Overcome this obstacle by speaking slowly and clearly.
    • See this as something that you need to practice when answering over the phone, if you have difficulty with pronunciation or tend to mumble.
    • When you talk, make sure you sit up straight instead of lying flat or leaning against something, and don't put your hands on your face. It is more convenient if you wear your earphone or talk through the speaker so you don't have to put the phone on your face.
  4. Ask follow-up questions to exchange your wishes. The most successful interview will feel like a natural conversation. Although at the end of the interview, they will often ask if you have any questions, you should also take the opportunity to ask questions during the interview when possible.
    • For example, the interviewer asks a question that reminds you of an article you've read about a new company product. Once you've answered the question, you can ask something like this "That reminds me of the article I read on the Tech Daily page about the company's Widget product! I think this Widget product has the same effect. to the daily communication? "
  5. Thank you after the interview. After the interview is over, take a few minutes to write thank you and send it to the interviewer. This letter does not need to contain more than 2 or 3 sentences. You simply thank them for their time and opportunity, and let them know that you expect an early response from them.
    • Try to be specific. If there's something really interesting they told you, you can mention it.
    • If they tell you a specific deadline they will respond to, be clear.
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Method 3 of 4: Speak professionally and confidently

  1. Sit up straight. A phone interview is not the time to lie down in bed or lie back in a chair. The way you sit affects your voice, and the interviewer will usually be able to tell while you are lying down. This sends a message that you are not taking the interview seriously.
    • Lying can also reduce call quality, or create ruffles and noise when you change positions.
    • If you sit up straight, your voice will show strength and confidence, then the interviewer will be able to hear clearly.
  2. See the phone interview as a face-to-face interview. Despite the fact that the phone interviewer can't see you, the way you dress and express yourself will have an effect on your voice and attitude. Interviewers will pay attention.
    • You don't have to be prepared and dressed like you're doing a face-to-face interview, but at least dress neatly and professionally before the phone interview.
    • Think about being ready for a phone interview in the same way that you'd be willing to work if you were admitted.
  3. Avoid eating or drinking when you are interviewing. Even if you talk on the speakerphone, they will be able to hear if you are eating or drinking during the interview. If you've ever heard someone eat or drink while talking on the phone, you will understand how distracting it is.
    • With the idea of ​​a phone interview like a face-to-face interview, don't do anything you wouldn't do if you're in the interviewer's office - that includes things like eating, drink, or chew gum.
    • Prepare a glass of water in case you have a dry throat. Turn your head away from the phone when drinking water, and avoid the stone that makes tinkling sounds that can be heard over the phone.
  4. Smile when you talk. When you smile, your face relaxes and your voice will automatically be friendlier and happier. Even if the interviewer cannot see you, your voice will convey positivity and enthusiasm. advertisement

Method 4 of 4: Prepare the call in advance

  1. Research on the company before the interview. Even if you did your research on the company before submitting your application, once you get a phone interview, you need to learn more. Check out recent company and general market news.
    • Search for new news and visit the company website to read new publications and find out what new products or services the company is introducing. You should take note of the information to ask questions of the interviewer.
    • You also need to be knowledgeable about the activities of the company's main competitors. Read about the general industry to understand market strengths.

    Lucy Yeh

    Career & Life Coach Lucy Yeh is a human resources manager, recruiter, and licensed life coach, with over 20 years of experience. With her experience as a life coach for the Mindfulness Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at InsighLA, Lucy has worked with expert levels to improve their professional, personal / personal relationships. expertise, self-marketing, and life balance.

    Lucy Yeh
    Career & Life Coach

    Expert opinion: Read the job description again and find out about the role you applied for. In addition, you should also find out about the company's competitors, industries, social networking sites, company publications, and other information that you can read before the interview. problem.

  2. Draft sample responses to common interview questions. When you answer your phone interview, you will not be visible to the interviewer. Use this advantage to draft a few brief notes if you run into difficult questions.
    • For example, you are asked about your strengths and weaknesses. The answers to these questions should be organized and concise, and should be related to business, not personal.
  3. Practice chatting on the phone. Doing a phone interview is not the same as chatting with friends and family. Especially if you don't have a lot of professional phone conversation experience, you need to practice using the phone as often as possible during the days ahead of the interview call.
    • When talking on the phone, you will not get visual cues to know when a person stops, or when to respond. Practicing a conversation on the phone can help you tune into a more fluid conversation.
    • If you don't have any reason to use your phone, ask a friend or family member to help you practice. You can arrange for them to call you at a specific time, and treat it as an interview call.
  4. Find a quiet place to take calls. Establish an area indoors or in a quiet environment where you can control noises and activities going on around you. If you are using a mobile phone, make sure you have a good connection in that area.
    • If your home is a noisy place with children or roommates getting in and out, look somewhere else with relative privacy. You can sign up for the conference room or study room in the library and close the door - just make sure you have the room prepared.
  5. Turn off electronic devices and notifications. If the interviewer hears an echo or a noisy device from the device during the interview, they will get the impression that you are doing something different while talking to them. Give them full attention, as if you were doing an interview in their office.
    • Other devices can also interfere with the signal and affect call quality if you are using mobile phones. You should turn off Wi-Fi connected devices where you will receive calls, or move them to another room during the interview.
  6. Gather all of your documents. Organize your notes, any company information, and resume copies and other documents so you can use them easily while on an interview call.
    • Spread documents out so you can easily access them without having to fidget or move around. The interviewer will listen over the phone, and you will leave an impression that is more messy and uncluttered than reality.
  7. To try on breathing exercises before the call. You may feel anxious as the time comes for the interviewer to call. Practicing deep breathing calms your voice and helps you relax and focus.
    • In addition to taking several deep breaths, you also need to try pronunciation exercises, just like a singer or actor does before going on stage. This will prevent your voice from breaking or trembling, and give you better control over your voice.
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