How to attend Telephone Interview

How to attend Telephonic Interview

Why is there a telephonic interview? Recruiters conduct telephonic interviews in order to find the one that fits in the job profile. This round enables the recruiter to decide if the applicant can be taken to the next round of the interview or not. Normally a telephonic round will go on for 15-20 minutes if there is a single person interviewing you. The goal of a phone interview is an invitation to come to the employer’s location for an in-person interview. We all have experience in attending a face-to-face interview. When we say telephonic interview, people say it is not that important. But you should know this is one of the most important rounds in the interview process which has to be taken seriously.

Tips to attend phone Interview

1. Scheduling the Phone Interview:

The first step in scheduling a telephonic interview is setting up at a convenient date and time. So make sure you choose the time when you are able to attend the telephonic round. It is important to be available on the mentioned date and have the time for this round as this adds to the interview process. Schedule the call for a time when you are sure you can be on time. (Being late will likely kill the opportunity!) and undistracted. If they say the call will last 10 minutes, set aside 20 minutes. If they say 15 minutes, set aside 30 etc.

2. Have Professional Voicemail:

This interview determines whether or not you are considered for the job. Start with your voicemail since these interviews are often set up via a phone call. When you can’t answer the phone number you provided on your application or resume when someone calls, be sure that a voicemail message is available, confirming that the number belongs to you, and clearly stating your name in a professional way.

3. Resume:

Always keep your resume in front of you because one of the topmost asked in any interview is, ‘walk me through your resume.’ So when the interviewer is shooting you with the first set of questions, make sure you are in a calm environment before you start the process.

4. Do your research in Advance:

Know as much as you can about the employer and the opportunity before the interview, Re-read the job posting, and make notes of where you meet or exceed the requirements (and where you don’t). Review the organization’s website (if any) to see what they do, where they are and the latest news they may have posted.

5. Glitches:

Make sure you are in a calm environment and that it has proper network connectivity. Always keep in mind you are within the reach of your resume or laptop if it is required for anything.

6. Know your answers to the common questions usually asked:

Brief “yes” and “no” responses will not move a telephone interview forward, but will end it quickly. Paint visual pictures with your words by telling stories that demonstrate results you achieved or contributed to with answers that express the who, what, when, where, how and why. Those answers will make you stand out.

7. Be Assertive And Attentive:

Be very positive in your approach. Be attentive as to what is being discussed in the call. If there is something you are unclear about, get it clarified.

8. Listen carefully:

As in every business discussion, listening to the “other side” is as important as what you say and in fact, what you say will be more effective if you are listening carefully. Avoid making assumptions about what is being said. Ask for a clarification if necessary so that your response will be most appropriate.

9. All ways focus on the language:

Use a professional tone which makes a good impression on the opposite person. Keep the language simple and clean. Do not get involved in multilingual conversations. You have only the power of your voice in a telephone call. Speak clearly, stay upbeat and use positive language.

10. Smile while on the phone:

You will find that you sound more upbeat and engaged when you do this. Your smiles will be “heard” by the interviewer making for a positive impression. This is where your attitude will really show.

11. Take notes:

As the interview begins, ask for the name and job title of the person who is interviewing you, and write it down in your notes. At the end of the interview, ask for or confirm the person’s email address. Note anything about you that seemed particularly important to them, indicated by the interviewer asking you several follow-on questions about that topic.

12. Do not over share your knowledge:

Go with the line of questions the recruiter asks. Do not deviate from the topic. Once the round is over, ask questions concerning the company, job, etc. as it show your interest level.

13. Ask For The Next Step In The Interview Process:

Now that the telephonic interview is done, do not end the call without asking about the next step; if you are to follow up with them or if you’ll hear from them. This expresses your interest as well.

14. Express Gratitude :

Image Source Once the interview is over, make sure you send a thank you note or an email expressing your gratitude for the same. The note is a reminder that you have valued their time and justified the same.

15. End the call Effectively:

If the interviewer is bringing the call to an end without discussing the next steps, speak up. Express your enthusiasm for moving forward, saying something like this.

“Thank you for your time today. I’ve enjoyed speaking with you, learning more about this opportunity and I would be very happy to discuss more about it in person.”

Phone interviews are typically called “phone screens” by the employer because they are screening candidates.