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Tips During the
Telephone Interview
1) Be cool,
calm and relaxed. Don't be tense, as the interviewer might sense that as a
sign of your lacking in confidence.
2) Listen
carefully to the interviewer's questions and if you are not sure you heard
it right, it's okay to ask him/her to repeat it.
3) Show
respect by referring to them as "Mr." or "Ms." or title and last name.
Refer to them on a first name basis if they specifically asked
you.
4) When
giving an answer: be precise, brief, objective and honest.
5) Avoid,
beginning your speech with "um", "uh", "er". This may require some
practice. You can role-play with a friend to catch with these habits. Or
you can record yourself with a tape recorder.
6) While
speaking, moderate your speed and tone such that the interviewer can
understand you clearly. Avoid speaking too fast or too slow, too loud or
to soft.
7) Take your
time in answering the questions, and qualify your 'yes' or 'no' answers
with a short explanation.
8) Believe in
yourself. Briefly highlight your accomplishments, successes, and
promotions.
9) Sound
enthusiastic. Keep a smile plastered on your face while you talk, as this
will project a positive vibe. Definitely avoid sounding bored or
disinterested.
10) Back-up
your weaknesses with positive remarks. (eg. "I am not familiar with that,
but I'm confident,that given a little exposure to it, I'll be just
fine.")
11) A couple
of short silent periods are fine, but more than a few or ones that last
more than 2-3 seconds can give the interviewer the idea that you lack
communication skills. Ask one of your listed questions if you feel it's
too quiet.
12) Give it
your best shot, even if you have another company in mind. Who knows, they
might even give you a better offer.
13) When you
feel that you have impressed the interviewer, ask for the actual
interview.
14) When the
interview is finished, show courtesy by saying "Thank you."
15)
Immediately after the conversation (and if granted an actual interview)
write down the highlights, your strengths, your weaknesses, and any
skills/qualities they are looking for, so that you can focus and improve
in the coming interview. | 