Tips for the Phone Interview
There an increasing number of organizations which are taking the phone interview route for screening applicants prior to calling them to the real interview. The reason being that it allows them to have an initial verification of a candidate plus they have some idea of your basic English speaking skills, your enthusiasm about the job / specialty and maybe even double-check items you mentioned on the CAF. In case the organization lists you as a probable candidate for a formal interview then you are sent an invite. Lets take a look at tips on how to prepare for a phone interview:
1. Never make the mistake of underestimating the importance of a Phone interview. Employers would generally make the phone call but some could also the interviewee to make the phone call to see how serious are they regarding this interview.
2. Your documents should with you-
- Your CAF
- Prepare answer to common question generally asked
- Personal Statement
- Prepare questions you wish to ask the phone interviewer
- A pen and blank paper to take notes
3. To inspire yourself to have a great interview you can have a poster/picture of people smiling during an interview. This way you feel relaxed and make efforts to have a smooth phone interview.
4. Be enthusiastic when you take or make the call. There are many resumes with the interviewer and the interviewer cannot see your expression so you should sound energetic & enthusiastic not dull and phony.
5. The most common questions you can expect:
- "Describe yourself"
- "Why are you leaving your current job"
- "What goals have you set for you to achieve in life related to your occupation"
- " Why did you opt to choose this field as a career "
6. Remember to do the interview in a place that's completely silent - no eating or drinking.
7. As the phone interview draws to a close update the interviewer about any new credentials that you have on your side that weren't included on your resume earlier.
8. Strictly avoid using the phone in 'speaker' mode - there could be break in voice or even the clarity might be affected thus making the conversation somewhat less pleasurable.
9. Your questions to the interviewer should not include areas like salary, working hours, benefits, security, and commute etc. If you are selected for the final round of interviewing these issues can be addressed adequately then.
10. This no joke, you must do this. Why, because if you are sitting you will unintentionally become relaxed and that will reflect in the manner you answer the question. Stand up erect and you will sound more self confident and dynamic. This also makes you more attentive to the questions that are being put across to you.
11. You must thank the speaker at the end, do not forget to say that you look forward to meet him/her in person. Also ask when you could inquire when you could expect to hear back about the formal interview.