Prepare Yourself For Your Next Phone Interview

In the job application process it is becoming more common place that you will be asked to conduct a phone interview before being invited to a job interview in person. A phone interview is an excellent way to demonstrate your personality and the person behind the CV but also provides the recruiter with the opportunity of gaining a first impression from you.

Like any other interview, phone interviews can be a daunting experience but it is key to getting through to the next step of the interview process and being able to have a face to face meeting. To gain that bit of extra confidence for your next phone interview make sure that you follow these 5 simple interview tips:

1. Research & Prepare

Most of the time phone interviews will be scheduled but don’t be surprised to have an unexpected phone call from an employer or recruiter who may wish to conduct an interview right then and there. Don’t feel as though you have to take part in the interview as you have every right to rearrange the phone call and explain that it is not a good time to talk at the minute and arrange for the interview to be made at a more convenient time.

With a scheduled phone interview it is important to research the company, what the job role entails and the experience that it is needed. The great thing about a phone interview is that you can have your research notes in front of you which you can refer to.

2. Suitable Surroundings

With any phone interview it is important that you choose a suitable environment in which to have the phone interview. If you are at home make sure others in the household are aware you will be having an important phone call and you are not to be disturbed. Choose a quiet room with no distractions such as a computer, television, music or people. If you are using a mobile phone make sure you are in a good location with strong signal or use a landline which may be more reliable for such an important call.

3. Research Your Interviewer

With a scheduled phone interview you are more than likely going to be informed of the interviewer’s name. Do some research beforehand to get to understand their background, you never know you may have something in common. Research the company website and find them on LinkedIn. Understand their background, their position within the company and find a picture of what they look like, as visualising what someone looks like always makes it easier to speak to them on the phone.

4. Dress For The Occasion

Some may feel that having a phone interview is great because they can sit there in their pyjamas on the sofa whilst having an interview, but this is completely the wrong attitude to have. It may sound bizarre but dress for the occasion and put on a smart outfit to take the phone call. Being dressed smartly will give you that extra boost of confidence you may need and can actually make you sound more professional on the phone.

5. Be Straight To The Point

Phone interviews are generally shorter than face to face interviews. This means the answers you give need to be informative but also short and straight to the point. It can be easy to waffle on but you have to remember that without being able to see your interviewer you could easily be losing their attention without realising.

Use these tips to help you on your next phone interview and see if it will give you the confidence you need to get you to the next step!

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