7 tips to impress in a telephonic interview

Treat the phone interview with the same seriousness and preparation that you would give to a face-to-face interview.

Here are some tips that should help you. Read on...

Telephonic interviews are conducted over the phone to pre-screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews.

It is often considered the most difficult and first stage of the selection process and generally lasts for 10 to 15 minutes.

Interviews by director Roger Thomas and researcher Dr Susan Purdn of the American 'Social and Community Planning Research Center at The survey method' (SCPR) shows that candidates with knowledge and behaviour are detected properly in a telephonic interview which is otherwise not in general terms.

Here are some tips for doing well in a telephonic interview.

1. Be prepared

Since you may not know when to expect the telephonic interview, one should always be prepared for it.

Prepare yourself to answer all the tricky questions that will be asked.

Have a copy of your resume and research material in front of you. Keep all this in mind:

• Jot down notes during the interview.
• Keep yourself calm in body and mind.
• Make sure you need no break during the call
• Turn off call waiting on your phone.
• Turn off your stereo, TV, or any other possible interruption.
• Keep a glass of water handy. Warm up your voice while waiting for the call.

2. Be fully focused

During the interview, the more focused you are, the more benefits will accrue.

Indeed, there should not be any distractions or disturbance around you. Never jump to take an unexpected or unplanned call.

Excuse yourself and ask for the call to be rescheduled if you are really busy and cannot focus.

You should concentrate only over what s/he speaks.

Switch off mobile phone if you are using a landline for the interview, if not, it could turn off the interviewer.

Treat the phone interview with the same seriousness and preparation that you would give to a face-to-face interview.

Remember, this could be the first step to the best job you've ever had.

3. Listen to the whole thing

Active listening skills are very important during the telephonic interview.

When the interviewer asks you a question, let him complete it first and then ask him whatever you want to.

The interviewer should feel comfortable with your responses. He should not feel as if you are disobeying him.

If you ask a question in middle, it may impair the flow of the interview and the interviewer's temperament.

During the conversation, the tone of your voice should be gentle and slow. Interviewer should not feel that you are dominating him/her.

4. Keep a good consistent tone

Candidates often use "But, no, however, often", which depicts that they do not agree with the interviewer or considers himself more superior.

These words reflect negativity and have an adverse effect on the interviewer. Interviewer will often think about you being over-confident with the use of such words.

Use the right words so that your point is taken positively.

It is important to speak at a slow pace and be clear so that the interviewer can understand what you are saying.

Do not use unprofessional language and sound courteous and polite.

Most importantly keep your tone pleasant as most interviewers are experienced and can easily judge the comfort level of the candidate, so it is important to smile and stay relaxed.

Give your best during the telephonic interview and always smile as it will pave the way for further interactions

5. Research before the interview

Do your groundwork before the interview, it will really be helpful.

Study the material beforehand and research properly about the company just like you would do in a face-to-face interview.

Your in-depth knowledge about the company might impress the interviewer.

For this, you can go to the site of the company or a known person from the company who can be the best to let you explore.

6. Be ready for some common questions

Whatever the job interview may be, some questions are always the same.

Rehearse answers related to your accomplishments, as this is a commonly asked question and a good way to impress the recruiters. Some of them are:

• Can you show up anytime whenever we need you?
• What do you want to do/interests related to this job?
• When can you join/start working?
• What is your salary expectation?
• Why did you select our company?

When the telephonic interview ends, don't forget to thank him and also, send an official thank you letter to the HR's official e-mail id. This gives even a better impact.

7. Always remember to record the interview

During the telephonic interview, always remember to put the interview into recording.

By doing this, it will help you to recognise your mistakes and to keep in mind not to repeat it.

Lead image used for representational purposes only. Image: Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters