Client phone interviews as the first step of the interviewing process is starting to become the “norm” in the technical world. Many of my candidates struggle with the preparation for this type of interview, so I felt the need to speak about it in general.
To begin with, phone interviews are on the rise because it is the easiest way to narrow their list of qualified candidates. Most of our clients will have the exact same position posted on their website, will have their HR recruiting for it, and will be working with several consulting agencies to fill that one slot. The result is that they may have 10-15 qualified candidates’ resumes sitting on their desk when it finally comes time to start interviewing. Now, there is no way that they will have time in their schedule to bring in all of these people in for a face to face interview. So, the way that they frequently narrow their choices is via a 10-15 minute phone interview.
My blog today is to help you “ace” the phone interview so that you can get the client to invite you to a face to face interview where you can really start to shine.
Tip #1: Interview from a “land line” phone, not a cell phone.
Think of how frustrating it is when you talk to someone and they start to fade in and out or if they loose their signal all together. Now imagine that you are interviewing multiple candidates and you have to keep calling one of them back or have to keep playing the “can you hear me now” game with them. How likely would you be to keep an open mind about them when you have other people meeting your same criteria to choose from? If you have a crappy carrier like I do (uh um..Nexlel..uh um…Did I say that out loud?), then you may not even be aware of what makes your signal fade or that you are even wavering. In short, use a cell phone ONLY as a last resort.
Tip #2: Interview in a quiet location where you can concentrate.
If you have to interview from work, then I suggest going out to your car and using your cell phone (my only exception to #1 since it cannot be avoided). Otherwise, if you are at home, go into a room where you cannot be disturbed. Do not answer the door. Do not answer the other line. Do not let your kids come running in and start asking you for juice. I, personally, have had to phone interview from my closet just to ensure peace and concentration. Do whatever it takes, but without somewhere to go and focus solely on the phone interview, you are doomed.
Tip #3: Put a smile in your voice.
Yes, a smile really does resonate over the phone. And being perceived as having a cordial demeanor can only improve your chances. I know…who cares if a Network Architect is “nice”? But if the employer is choosing between 5 Network Architects – all with similar qualifications – believe me, the one that they think is “happy and content” will always earn extra points (even if you may not be the strongest candidate technically).
Tip #4: If you start to get nervous, stand up.
If you find yourself starting to loose confidence, stand up and walk around. Your voice will start sounding stronger when you change position (try it for yourself).
Tip #5: Remember to speak calmly, clearly, and concisely.
Depending on the job you are interviewing for (i.e Help Desk, for instance), this may be the sole purpose of the interview. Do you use proper English? Can they understand you (especially if you are not an American citizen)? Do you talk too fast? What image do you project over the phone (professional, courteous, etc..?
Tip #6: Listen.
A phone interview is not only what you are responding, but if you are listening to what they are saying. I would often close my eyes and visualize them when they were speaking to me. It helped me to focus on what they were saying. Another idea is to take notes. If you think that they sound distracted, ask them a question. It will get their attention and will get them back focused back onto you and the interview.
Good luck on your phone interview, and if you are invited to a face to face interview, please be sure to read my next blog. J
Have a “fantabulous” week!
Diane
