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 2nd 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.
