TOP PHONE INTERVIEW TIP

I recent had a discussion with some recruiting partners about problems on phone interviews. One candidate I sent into to a company had leading qualifications but the company felt after the phone interview that he had “low energy” How can we help people in phone interview project more energy and enthusiasm.

Communicate energy and enthusiasm
* When searching for the perfect candidate organizations often make an initial decision from the way in which candidates answer the phone.

* If you answer yours in a casual and disinterested manner, you will make a poor impression.

* Energy and enthusiasm in your greeting and in your responses to questions demonstrates your interest in the conversation and in the job.

* Companies want motivated employees.

* Consider your own reaction when you call someone who is pleased to hear from you and contrast this with the feeling you get when you call someone who is not pleased to hear from you or who is just plain distracted or disinterested. Which conversation leaves you with a positive impression of the person you are speaking to?

Energy equates to confidence in and passion for what you do.

* Some of the things you mentioned deal with enthusiasm and interest (asking questions, deportment etc.) But energy comes from having the level of confidence in the job you are interviewing for - not because you can do it - but because you have done it and are eager to talk about your accomplishments (passion).

How to show energy

* Sit forward in your seat as the interview begins.

* Sit up straight.

* Explain how you’re capable of handling multiple tasks; show commitment to job

* I’ve worked 14 hour days and work all night when required

* Show your excitement about the opportunity for which you're interviewing.

* Stand up, look in their eyes and smile when shaking their hand

* The questions you ask show how much effort you’ve put in to the job search, and are an indicator of the kind of energy you might bring to the job.”

* Don’t over talk thinking this will show high energy.

Phone interview

* Stand up and smile

Don't

* Speak in a monotone or use too many filler words such as "er," "and," "then," pet phrases you use repeatedly.

Do's

* Keep your answers brief but give enough of an answer so they know you know what you're talking about.

* Take a hint if you're being asked to repeat your answers speak slower and speak up and it will be easier to understand you.

* Ask at the end of the conversation ask if the interviewer needs any additional information or has any other questions

Do you have any concerns about my abilities?

How do my skills compare to others you've interviewed?

Will you recommend I received a 2^nd interview?

Keep a pen and pad by the phone and jot notes during the interview regarding any concerns or uncomfortable questions so you can offer additional information in a thank you letter afterward,

* If possible, ask a question in the letter so that the interviewer will need to respond back to you.

* Always send me the thank you letters in advance to double check for typos. I always seem to find something that needs to be re-worded.

* Always copy me when emailing them

You need to be prepared to discuss accomplishments and explain in detail how they will maximize the company's return on their staffing investment.

Phone Interview Tips

Companies are using phone interviews more frequently as a time and cost efficient method of identifying the most promising candidates . The telephone interview may be a quick chat to find out a bit more about you, or it may be an in-depth, behaviorally based formal interview. Whichever one it is, it is one where your verbal skills are tested. They are not only assessing if your past work history is a fit for the position but they are assessing your communication skills as well as your job related abilities during the conversation. Phone interviews can be tough. With the lack of visual communication, you must be able to rely on auditory feedback and be disciplined enough to keep focus.

Your phone voice mail message;

Make sure the message on your home and cell phones reflect a professional image? Cute messages might be OK sometimes; but your want anyone calling you understand your ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner verbally not cute? Or is your message casual, off-beat that is possibly discouraging potential employers from pursuing further contact with you? Depending on the type of employment you are seeking, a message that is too casual can ruin the impression you are looking to make on prospective employers.

Communicate energy and enthusiasm

When searching for the perfect candidate organizations often make an initial decision from the way in which candidates answer the phone. If you answer yours in a casual and disinterested manner, you will make a poor impression. Energy and enthusiasm in your greeting and in your responses to questions demonstrates your interest in the conversation and in the job. Companies want motivated employees. Consider your own reaction when you call someone who is pleased to hear from you and contrast this with the feeling you get when you call someone who is not pleased to hear from you or who is just plain distracted or disinterested. Which conversation leaves you with a positive impression of the person you are speaking to?

Develop rapport

Building a relationship with the interviewer on the phone is a great way to not only demonstrate your interpersonal skills but is also likely to increase the amount of information that is exchanged. You should communicate in a positive and pleasant manner throughout the conversation and remain professional in your language and approach.

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical phone interview questions. In addition steps;

• Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
• Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
• Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
• Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.
• Clear the room - evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
• I recommend using a land line rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line, it possible

Practice Interviewing

I've always found it's helpful to practice. Consider having a friend conduct a mock interview and record it. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions.

During the Phone Interview

• Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
• Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
• Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
• Don't interrupt the interviewer.
• Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
• Give short answers.
• Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person

Listen Some times during the interview nerves take over and we make the mistake of saying too much. Make sure. When you have answered the question, allow for that possibly uncomfortable moment of silence. This will let the interviewer know that you are through, and then they will proceed.
Listen and wait for them to finish with their next question, and then proceed.