How To Be Prepared For Telephonic Interview?

With the following tips, you will learn how to sound confident over the phone, how to convince the recruiter with your answers, how to handle difficult questions, and much more.

So, let’s get you set up for the telephonic round now!

1. Double-check interview details

If the interview was scheduled beforehand, double-check time and date of the call. If the call is from abroad, make sure to check the time difference and the time zone. Know the full name of your interviewer and address him/her in a formal manner only.

2. Do your research

Just as you would do for a face to face interview, prepare yourself well for a telephonic interview. Go through the job description and the background of the company. You are expected to answer questions on the profile you applied for and key areas mentioned in the job description.

3. Keep resume handy

The most common question to begin a telephonic interview is usually – ‘Tell me about yourself’. As you brief about yourself to the recruiter, keep your resume handy. Having the information in front of you will ensure that you do not forget to mention any crucial point or achievement related to your profile.

Also check: http://directjoboffer.com/blog/2018/09/09/job-interview-questions-and-answers-the-most-common-yet-tricky-ones/

4. Have a cheat sheet

The biggest advantage of the telephonic interview is that you both cannot see each other.

So make notes on expected questions beforehand, rehearse them, and keep them in front of you during the interview. Trust us, you will be able to speak with much more confidence.

You can use the apps available such as Evernote, OneNote, Simplenote, or Google Keep for organizing your notes.

5. Practice

Get a family member or friend to conduct a mock telephonic interview with you. Record the conversation and note down the points you can improve upon. Practicing will help you rehearse your answers and check your tone.

You can use apps such as Automatic Call Recorder and Call recorder Free help you record a call that is already in progress or one you are about to make.

6. Facing difficult questions

On facing a difficult question, do not panic. Take a few moments to think. You may also use your laptop to quickly look for pointers to build an answer. If you cannot manage to come up with something worth saying, politely let the interviewer know about it.

Now focus on the next question without worrying about the previous one.

7. Ask questions

Always ask at least a couple of questions to the interviewer. The questions should be related to the job profile, company culture, etc. It will show your motivation for the role and the company.

You may also take the initiative to ask the recruiter about the right time for a follow-up, towards the end of the conversation. However, do not sound too desperate.

8. Turn off any other possible interruption

This is a no-brainer. You cannot have a smooth conversation with sounds playing in the background. Check that your television, music, etc. are turned off. Get to a quiet and comfortable area with no possible interruptions.

9. Be a good listener

Besides speaking, listening skill is also a crucial component of the telephonic interview process. Avoid talking in between and let the recruiter complete his thought or question before you speak.

So listen carefully, understand the questions well, and give ‘to the point’ answers.

10. Pen and paper

Do not miss out on important information that the recruiter mentions about the company or the job role. Be ready with pen and paper to take down all the vital points shared during the interview.

11. Be polite and professional

Keep your tone pleasant throughout the interview as most interviewers are experienced and can easily judge the comfort level of the candidate.

Use professional language to address the recruiter. Use Mr or Ms followed by the person’s last name. If you do not know the last name of the person, you can address him/her as sir or madam. Make sure that you sound courteous and polite.

12. Stay calm and positive

Did you know your voice reflects your mood? Try your best to sound relaxed and confident during the interview, even if you are not. Ever heard the phrase – ‘Fake it till you make it’?

Speak at a slow pace and be clear so that the interviewer can understand what you are saying. Sitting in a comfortable position without any distractions will help you focus on the conversation.

13. Thank the interviewer

Before hanging up, do remember to thank the interviewer for his time and consideration. Do not hesitate to reiterate your motivation for the job and your interest in the company.

Give your best during the telephonic interview as it will pave the way for further interactions with the recruiter.

Things to avoid in a telephonic interview

• Do not reschedule the call a few hours before the scheduled time, unless there is an emergency. It will send out a negative impression.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while taking the interview. Make sure to have a bite and a glass of water before beginning the interview.
• If you make use of a laptop during the call, keep the sound of your typing in check. Do not type hurriedly.
• Do not make comments on personal life, unless asked.
• Do not use unnecessary everyday words and phrases such as ‘you know’, ‘umm’, ‘let’s see’, ‘whatever’ while talking to the interviewer
• Do not take an interview while driving or on the road. If you are out, let the recruiter know the same and politely ask for the next available time for the call.
• Do not put the interviewer on hold. This will make you appear casual about the interview.

Don’t you worry! Keep calm and carry on!