How to Ace Telephonic Interviews

Telephonic interviews have become a standard procedure and it’s usually the first round of the hiring process. Companies prefer phone interviews, as it allows them to evaluate more candidates in the same amount of time and effort. It also allows them to find the best candidates across geographies; not limited to any city or country. Another reason is that a lot of office work is done on the phone these days. This makes it essential for the candidate to have the required level of phone conversation skills. If you are hoping to get your dream job, the phone interview will be the first challenge you will have to tackle. Here are some tips and suggestions that will help you ace telephonic interviews.

Ensure good network coverage: A landline should be preferred for taking phone interviews. However, if you only have your mobile phone, make sure that you take the interview from a spot that has good network coverage. Network issues can be irritating for the interviewer and it may act negatively against you, even when you may have the right skills and experience for the job.

Dress formally:Just because the interviewer can’t see you does not mean that you can wear anything you want for your phone interview. Taking the interview in your pajamas may make you lose focus during the interview. Dress formally, quite the same, as you would normally do for a face-to-face interview.

Prepare your notes: Prepare small notes about your experience, skills, expertise and other things that you want to say during the interview. Keep them ready on your desk, so that you can refer to them and give your answers promptly and confidently.

Show enthusiasm: The tone of your voice and words you say should convey a sense of enthusiasm. Your voice should not come across as that of a person who is disinterested, sad or depressed. If you are not sure about how you sound on the phone, take help from a friend or family member. Ask them to conduct mock phone interviews and rate your voice.

Speak clearly: Your voice can get distorted over the phone, which is why it is necessary to speak clearly. You should avoid speaking in a hurried tone, as the interviewer may not be able to comprehend what you are saying. Practice with a friend or family member to ensure that you speak clearly and at the right speed.

Last but not least, don’t forget to say thank you to the interviewer at the end. It is also good if you follow-up with a brief thank you mail to the concerned person. This will reflect your interest in the job and create the right impressions, which may work to your advantage in getting your dream job.