Phone Interviews...The Cool New Thing
As Summer approaches and I find myself asking my parents for money more and more, I realized that it's time for me to start working again. Even though I don't find a special joy in working, I do appreciate the feeling of self accomplishment as I check my email every two weeks for that special pay stub that provides me with a means for self-provided transportation and social outings. Although I already have a part-time job, I am looking to find another job with minimal hours that would suit my abilities, skills, and age. As I did some research online, I came to realize that most initial job interviews are conducted over the telephone. Why? This is a new way of doing things for companies because it is clearly a time-saver and is a very easy way to weed out ill-prepared candidates for the job. With the nation in the economic state that it is in, there are about 8 applicants for every job opening, which provides for a very competitive and somewhat chaotic system of hiring. Even though I don't have any issue with interviewing over the phone, I decided that it would be wise to research some useful tactics in swaying a potential boss to give me a face-to-face interview. Here's what I found:
Be enthusiastic. "Some people find it helps to smile while they talk," Stevens notes.
Use a land line, and disable call waiting. Interruptions caused by dropped or incoming calls just add stress you don't need.
Have a list of questions prepared. Well-thought-out questions show you're really interested in the company and the job. Also, have your resume in front of you. Make sure it's the same version the interviewer has.
Match your style to the interviewer's. "If the interviewer uses a lot of technical terms and industry jargon, so should you," Stevens says.
Never interrupt. Silently count to two or three seconds after the interviewer stops talking before you start.
Avoid negative words. "Banish negative verbs like 'can't,' 'haven't' and 'don't' from your vocabulary," Stevens advises. "Employers want people who can offer solutions, not potentially create problems.'
Recap your "fit" for the job. Be ready with a 30-second summary of why you're right for this job, using an example or two from your work history.
Ask about next steps. At the end of the call, ask how well your qualifications meet the company's needs. This will give you a chance to address minor issues immediately. Then ask when you can meet with them in person.
Say thanks. Follow up with an e-mail or a handwritten note. While you're at it, briefly remind the interviewer how your skills and achievements can help the company meet its goals.
A few more suggestions, from Paul Bailo:
Wear business attire. Of course the interviewer can't see you, but "you won't feel, or sound, as businesslike in your pajamas," Bailo says.
Eat a cough drop before the call. A medicated cough drop (especially one with menthol) will be good for your voice, says Bailo: "It's a small but helpful thing."
Have a photo of your interviewer on your computer screen. This could be from LinkedIn, Facebook, the company website, or anywhere else your interviewer's face might appear online. (You have Googled him or her in advance, right?) "It makes the interview a little more like an in-person conversation," Bailo says.
Avoid saying "um" or "ah." Try replacing those sounds with a pause, which Bailo says is "a sign of intelligence."
Take notes. Jot down topics and questions that seem to be of particular interest to the person interviewing you, so you can touch on these when you send your thank-you.
So next time you are looking for a job, remember some of these tactics and hope for the best.
Comments
Alex- thanks for the post. I
Alex-
thanks for the post. I found it very relevant, considering I can't find a job for the life of me. Maybe if I would have phone interviewed with these, um, ah, relatively handy steps in tow I would have been more successful. But really, I think it really is the little things that people in high places notice. I liked your first sentence, because it caught my attention and such. But nicely done, keep up the good work.
Lexie
Alex, I enjoyed your post,
Alex,
I enjoyed your post, and thought that was some very practical and informative advice. This post made me realize that phone interviews are probably a very positive thing because it can eliminate prejudice based on physical appearance when hiring. Employers cant see tattoos, piercings, or ethnicity over a phone interview, so everyone is given a more equal competition when applying for a job. Thanks for your post.
-Ryan
I think phone interviews is
I think phone interviews is a more convient way of doing things. Lets say you feel lazy and don`t want to get out of bed then you can do it over the phone. Plus with phone interviews you don`t have to worry about being late and arriving on time because you are just answering the phone.
Alex, You're right, having a
Alex,
You're right, having a summer job gives us the thought of self-accomplishment. i think it is important to remember that having a job should be something you enjoy. it should give you more of a satisfaction instead of accomplishment. i mean anyone can make money here and there. It is important to be doing something you are passionate about and would reccomend that type of job to another person.
Because more companies are doing phone interviews, it makes sense that they are going to go after the over excited person about the job. They are going to want someone who is more enthusiastic. I have also heard a few things that may help out with interviewing for a job. It is, be the one who is asking the question, make them do most of the talking. Many companies want people who will challenge others not just be challenged. It makes mroe sense to take control of the interview rather than let someone push you around the whole time. There should be some what of a balance between the speakers but it takes the pressure off yourself if you do less talking and more listening.
Because in class we have been talking a lot about fair use, I would have to say I found no transformations here. It would have been a better read if you would have taken some of the information you found on the web and wrote about it in your own words. It would have been more enjoyable to read to hear what you thought about all the "rules" on conducting a phone interview.
Non the less, it was helpful to see some of the techniques we should all use in conducting a phone interview. It may come in handy within the next couple weeks when we are all scrambling to find jobs.
Thank you,
Gordon
Alex, I really
Alex,
I really enjoyed reading your post. You offered a unique insight to the emerging trend of phone interviews. I have never actually conducted a phone interview myself, but I feel like they are an inevitable aspect of the job market. It seems like these interviews are now the initial contact to make that important "first impression". Thanks for a great post.
-Eric
This blog was very
This blog was very informational. I never heard of interviews on the phone. You gave very helpfull tips.