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.

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