Be Brilliant: Ace Your Next Phone Interview!
3 Organizational Tips To Best Market Yourself Over The Phone
Aug 26, 2008
Crafting the ideal response to any situation, under pressure, is extremely difficult. Most people, if they've ever had a phone interview, have experienced the panic of trying to quickly think through an answer to an interview question at the risk of seeming unprepared. Fortunately with the following preparation techniques and organizational tips, you can have the tools and the confidence to ace your next phone interview!
Tip #1 Staging and Timing
Your surroundings are one of the most important factors during an interview. You want to create an environment that is quiet, comfortable and ergonomic. You will need
- Two pens and a pencil -How many times have you been writing something crucial and the pen is out of ink, or the pencil breaks? Be prepared!
- A pad of paper -Suggesting a pad, because a few sheets will do, but what if you need a writing surface? Holey papers are hard to read.
- Cell phone charger. - As soon as you see that low battery light ( or hear the annoying beep!) , you can plug your phone in while you talk!
- Now-Next month's Calendar/Schedule - No clumsy hesitation or pesky double booking when you're asked for a second interview!
- Your 3 Stories – See Tip #2 - Facts Tell, Stories Sell.
Timing is Crucial
Give yourself at the very least, 90 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time. Speaking from the experience of interviewing for (and landing!) over 15 jobs, interviews - especially ones that are going well! - tend to last a little longer than the expected 30-45 minutes. You never want to be so pressed for time that you rush the interviewer off the phone. The interviewer may be gauging your time management skills and professionalism.
Tip #2 What To Say
Make sure you read the job description carefully, looking for key words pertaining to the specific job; like the names of required software, or a specific skill set. If you saw "excellent communication skills" - work that into a few answers you give about yourself. Sew and scatter related phrases like "verbal as well as written exchange”, and give a few examples of your expertise in this area.
Facts Tell, Stories Sell
Arming yourself with precrafted essay answers to the common interview questions eliminates rambling and awkward silences. Take the time to write down 3 experiences you've had that display your knowledge and abilities. Most likely, you will be asked to describe a time you showed leadership or took initiative. Another common interview question involves describing an example of how you overcame an obstacle at work. A great paragraph or two to have at your fingertips? Describe a quick but thorough “Day in the Life” doing your current job, highlighting whatever experiences you already have. Relate this to the new job. Example : Judging by the aforementioned issues I handle every day as stay at home mom; I’ve learned a great deal about handling fast paced, high demand situations, and about situations where the appropriate communication is crucial. Make sure you write it out beforehand!
Tip #3 Any Questions? Yes!
Interviewers ask if you have any questions, and this is your opportunity to show you were paying attention, and that you deserve to be impressed as well as the interviewer. Ask genuine questions about the business, related to your own interests. For example, if you are looking to grow, as if the company offers any training programs to bolster your (already awesome!) skills and enhance performance. Here, the interviewer gets to show off the highlights of the company’s structure and market them to you, a potential new employee. It’s also better than asking random questions, because you can offer feedback once the question is answered, instead of the obviously-not-really-interested: “Oh, Ok”
In a nutshell, creating an ideal environment is half the battle. Eliminate the chance of awkward silences and organize your thoughts ahead of time. Sound like the pro you are! Dont forget - smile, pick up the phone and sell your story! Good Luck!
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