If you’re a student who applied to a University off shore or someone who is on the hunt for a new job, we have to tell you that the next time the phone rings to stay prepared. Why? Because, nowadays a majority of screening tests are carried out over the telephone.
Telephone interviews are designed to reduce expenditures especially in the case of out-of-town candidates, is now used as a highly successful method in screening candidates for in-person interviews.
While it’s important that you stay prepared for the interview, speaking on the phone isn’t always as easy as it might seem. This critical conversation could make or break your dream. This is what you can do. Practice your conversation over the phone. Make a friend or colleague ask all the typical questions you could be faced with and if possible record your dialogue to see how you fare. It’s only after being caught on tape that you’ll be able to hear your “uhs”, “yahs” or “okays”.
Here are a few things to need to keep note of during a phone interview:
• Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink during your conversation.
• Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
• Smile. You might doubt the relevance of this as your conversing over the phone, but smiling will help project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
• Make sure to speak slowly and pronounce clearly.
• Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Use their first name only if they ask you to.
• Don't interrupt the interviewer.
• It’s perfectly acceptable to take your time to collect your thoughts before speaking up.
• Do keep your answers short.
• Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
• Remember to say thank the person for the interest shown.
• Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.
