Telephone interviews don’t just happen; they are the result of action you
have taken. For example, when you are networking and the company
representative becomes interested in your skills; when a company
representative calls you in response to a résumé you have sent; or when you
have previously set up the telephone meeting. Your goal is to achieve a
face-to-face meeting at the end of the call.
1. BE PREPARED! Keep your résumé, files,
paper, and pen within easy reach of the telephone.
2. SMILE WHEN YOU ANSWER THE TELEPHONE and thank the person for
calling. Ask, "Would you mind if I take a minute to close the door?" Use the
time to close the door and pull out your résumé and files. Take a few deep
breaths, relax and focus.
3. LISTEN TO THE WAY THE INTERVIEWER
INTRODUCES HIM OR HERSELF. If she introduces herself as “Ms. Jones,” call her
Ms. Jones until she invites you to do otherwise.
4. STAY FOCUSED. This interview is your
number-one priority at this time. As a result of this meeting, you want to
be invited in for a face-to-face interview. If this is a previously
scheduled interview, eliminate outside distractions prior to taking the
call. If the interviewer has otherwise caught you at an inconvenient time,
gently say so and ask to reschedule the interview for a more convenient
time.
5. STAND IN FRONT OF A MIRROR, SMILE, AND SPEAK
DIRECTLY INTO THE TELEPHONE. It adds life to your voice and you
will come across more powerfully.
6. ALLOW THE INTERVIEWER TO ASK QUESTIONS.
Answer the questions and ask some of your own. It is essential to ask
open-ended questions that demonstrate your interest. Postpone any discussion
of salary or benefits.
7. AVOID ANSWERING SIMPLY “YES” or NO.”
Respond to questions with specific examples of accomplishments that
demonstrate your expertise and value to the company.
8. SUMMARIZE YOUR KEY POINTS and refer
back to specific examples of your contributions. Take notes! This is one
interview where it’s okay to take notes.
9. CONFIRM YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION.
"It sounds like an interesting opportunity Ms. Jones, and a situation where
I could definitely make a contribution. When can we get together?"
10. WRITE AND SEND A THANK YOU LETTER WITHIN
24 HOURS. Before you hang up ask for the correct spelling of the
interviewer's name and title. A thank you note is a second selling
opportunity and can increase you chances of another interview by as much as
30%! Take the time to write one. You’ll be glad you did!
--------------------------------
Mary Jeanne Vincent is the author
of Acing the Interview tip cards featuring answers to the top 20 “killer”
interview questions. Also included are tips for interviewing in the new
economy, ideas for responding to illegal and trick questions, and
suggestions for avoiding 10 deadly interview mistakes.
Go to
http://www.2bworkwise.com for free job search articles and to sign up
for the free WorkWise e-zine. For information on individual job and career
coaching or to find out about other practical, easy-to-use career tools call
Mary Jeanne at 831.657.9151.
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