BizAnalyst Network

Succeeding in a Telephone Interview

Tips on succeeding in a telephone interview
Robin Ryan, Career Counselor - RobinRyan.com

NEWCASTLE, WA -- The interviewer hopes they'll catch you off guard with their initial call. I've personally conducted a lot of these calls for employers and I'm amazed at how many people say it is okay to talk when there is obviously TV, loud children, and other distracting events going on around them. Preparation is the key to success. Remember that if you don't pass this screening, you're sunk.

When you get this type of call, tell the person that you are just finishing something and ask if you can you call them back in ten minutes. Then prepare yourself. Find a quiet spot, get your resume out, think about the questions the interviewer will ask, rehearse your answers. Have a pen and paper in front of you. Jot down the caller's name and take notes as they ask you questions. Smile, so your voice sounds friendly.

The interviewer's job is to validate an applicant's background and screen out the unqualified and overpriced. Offer examples of your past performance. Craft your answers to demonstrate how you have done the work in the past and how you focus on self-improvement and contributing to your employer. To move to the next level you must convince this person that you CAN do the job.

posted by Victor Lloyd Smith @ 1:25 PM