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Interview Tips : First phone interview
How to deal with your first phone interview with the new potential employer
Key Points:
1. Take a surprise call in stride.
Always be positive, friendly and collected. "Thank you for calling Mr. Employer. Would you wait just a moment while I close the door?" Then, put the phone down, get your resume and support materials, take three deep breathes, put a smile on your face and pick up the phone. Now you are in control of yourself and the situation.
2 .Beware of over-familiarity.
You should always refer to the interviewer by his or her surname until invited to do otherwise.
3. Be careful of small talk.
Let the interviewer say what they want but be careful what you say. Sometimes they set a trap that may turn bad for you.
4. Allow the interviewer to ask the questions.
It is your responsibility to present yourself through your answers to their questions. This is not the time to check them out. Most likely they have your resume and possibly have talked to your recruiter. Their objective is to verify the information they have, gather new additional information and make sure your chemistry matches theirs.
5. Beware of giving only yes/no answers.
Only answer the question. However, expand your answers in order to give the interviewer an understanding of who you are. Always try to respond with a positive answer, avoid negative, self incriminating answers. Include in your answers names of individuals that you worked with that could verify your performance. Names that the interviewer could call and check.
6. Be factual in your answers.
Never, lie, mislead, fudge or say something that you can not absolutely support. The interviewer is looking for someone to become a part of their company. They will check out everything.
7. Speak directly into the phone.
Do not smoke or eat while on the phone. It is best to make sure there are no noises in the background, like a TV or radio. If you have children, secure them in another place so you won't be disturbed.
8. Take notes.
These will be invaluable to you in preparing for "the face to face interview," which is your objective. If, for any reason, the interviewer is interrupted, jot down the topic under discussion. When they get back on the line, you can hopefully return where you left off.
9. Do not ask about money, benefits, paid Holidays, etc.
Questions about what they will do for you can be misinterpreted. The proper time will come after "the face to face interview," now is not the time. Remember the interviewer can cut you out, be careful, you only have this shot.
10. During the phone interviews make sure you ask for "the face to face interview."
This is your objective, let the interviewer know that your want to work for them. You will never get the chance unless you get "the face to face interview." At that time, the Employer will explain the position in detail and present all the things they will offer you. This will be the time for you to make sure that you understand and for you to ask questions.
11. At the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions.
At this time thank the interviewer for their time, express clearly that you want to work for the company and would appreciate the opportunity for a face to face interview. Ask what the next step is? Ask if there is any additional information you can get for them like references.
Success comes only to those who work at it.
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| Author: Deepu 10 Apr 2008 | Member Level: Diamond Points : 5 |
Hi Mr.Prasanth,
It is really helpfull resource for me.I have faced 2 face to face interviews up to now im very enthusiatic to know about the phone in interviews.But your resource helped me a lot in knowing about the do's and don't that have to be fallowed in the phone in interviews.In thesame way your posting will serve many people like me who are enthusiastic about the phone in interviews.Keep going.
With regards,
-Deepu
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| Author: Prashant 11 Apr 2008 | Member Level: Bronze Points : 1 |
Hi Mr Deepu,
Thank you for your valuable feedback...
Regards,
Prashant
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| Author: Deepu 11 Apr 2008 | Member Level: Diamond Points : 1 |
You are welcome.
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| Author: ArunRanjith 19 May 2008 | Member Level: Silver Points : 2 |
Thank You for your information
It is very helpful for me
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| Author: Vidya 24 May 2008 | Member Level: Diamond Points : 2 |
useful information
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| Author: Ramprasad 29 May 2008 | Member Level: Silver Points : 2 |
Nice information, I knew some people attending phone interviews from office parking place, or in meeting rooms or some where outside which makes so much noise to the Interviewers. It is not advisable. Phone Interviews are always scheduled, ask your Convenient time and make sure there is no disturbance while attending the interview.
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