Written by: Victoria Marin
With the job market changing and employers utilizing various methods to choose potential employees, a great initial contact by phone could be what sets you apart from the rest of the pack. Today’s technology has changed the way we look for jobs, apply for jobs and interview for jobs. In some cases, the initial contact is with a company’s recruiter or a member of their human resources department. Following, I will offer several tips on how to ace your telephone interview.
1. Stand Up.
When we stand, we feel more energetic and it is easier to project your voice. You will sound more confident and enthusiastic about the position you are seeking. You want to sound excited but not manic.
2. Use Short, Powerful Statements.
Many of us have short attention spans. Answering a question with a slow, drawn out answer can lose the attention of the interviewer. Strong statements also help you appear like an expert in your field.
3. Research.
Prior to your interview, research the company and learn its mission.
4. Voice Quality.
Many of us have a telephone voice which emerges each time we get on the phone. Lose it. Don’t speak too softly but don’t yell. Practice speaking with a volume which is easy to hear and each word is clearly pronounced.
5. Background Noise.
Find a quiet area in your home away from children and pets. Close windows, turn off radios and TVs and turn down the volumes on other phones or fax machines.
6. Land Line.
If possible, use a telephone that hooks directly into a wall jack. Avoid handsets and cell phones which can drop calls or produce static and poor call quality. Check with your provider to see if call waiting can be temporarily turned off.
7. Gratitude.
Thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you for a position with the company.
I have found these tips helpful for me. I hope they will bring success to you. Best wishes!
About the Author: Victoria Marin graduated from New York University in 1995 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. As an Occupational Therapist, she gained recognition for the innovative use of the Nintendo Wii with the elderly in a rehab setting. Marin held a position in the Metropolitan Occupational Therapy Education Council and was a member of the Dominican College Professional Advisory Council, where she presented the benefits of a multi-sensory approach for the treatment of elderly patients with dementia.
