I have a phone interview today, any tips?

Question

The interview is for HP. It will last around 40 minutes, has any one got any tips they would like to share?

Answer 1

have the job description, a copy of the application you filled out, your CV and some prepared answers of questions they will probably ask in front of you. also make sure you are locked away in a quite room with no distractions.

Answer 2

Build rapport! I've only ever had one real telephone interview and this is key, especially for sales roles (but you want to be selling yourself anyway). Ask the interviewer how they are. This is better than saying that you are warm/friendly - it demonstrates it. If the interviewer is in another city than ask how the weather is at their end. These are just plain manners and will hopefully fit in naturally but don't try and force them in. In my phone interview I was first called on my mobile but I then offered that they can call my landline which saves them money and more reliable/better connection. It demonstrates being helpful, proactive, initiative etc and when they call on the other line then it's naturally a warmer greeting cos you've already been talking.

If the questions are the usual 'tell me about a time where...' then give some answers from work and some from personal life to show that you can work hard but do have a life.

Keep a 2 way conversation. When asked for an example then answer with "How about the time that I did..." allowing the interviewer to ask for more details. If giving a long answer then leave a brief pause in the middle to allow the interviewer to make acknowledging noises eg. "aha" "yep" "go on".

Finally just ask the interviewer for clarification on what they are looking for if you are unsure about anything.

And good luck!!!

Answer 3

Hp Phone Interview

Answer 4

I too recently had a phone interview, and one thing I would suggest is sourcing on the net as much info as you can i.e. that they are owned by Heinz etc. Also any free literature you can get from the company would be insightful also.
When on the phone remember to raise your voice and also change your natural register (so if you have a deep voice go higher, higher voice go lower. To paraphrase "phone a friend" to practice, until you are comfortable.
When answering avoid negatives and "reactive" answers - that is yes or no. Don't blab on and if you are unsure re-phrase the question into your own words and speak from an area you are comfortable, and also do not leave empty air.
Last of all remember your breathing, by pacing your answers and formulating your thoughts, this should keep your breathing even and inaudible, try not to sound as if you are self-abusing while taking the call it may be slightly off putting for the interviewer, unless they offer you their personal number.
Good Luck

Answer 5

I've had a few telephone interview interviews for graduate schemes with Alliance and Leicester, Barclays, Powergen etc.

Key: Research the company as much as possible!

Make sure you know about ALL aspects of the company not only the position you have applied for.

Consider why you are the best candidate for the position

Go over your written application and look at the questions they asked and how you responded.

Speak clearly and concisely, as they look at a oral and communication skills at this stage

A little tip that helped me was to sit at the pc with their website on.If you get stick on 'What there mission statement or goal is' you can quickly and discreetly click to find the answer.....!
Good Luck and Relax....

Answer 6

Make sure you know what time they will call you.

15 minutes before the call, set yourself up somewhere quiet and comfortable with a glass of water, paper, pen etc.

Really research the company - HP's website is very good and focus on the area you'll be working in. Make sure you've received a job description in advance.

Be bright, cheerful and friendly - it's less formal than a face-to-face, but make sure you are just as polite.

Ensure that you've some pertinent questions up your sleeve about the role, the future of the role, department, product line etc.

As it's HP, DO NOT mention spying, phone tapping, privacy issues etc ;-)

Answer 7

Unless there is a distance issue, I would demand a real interview. People say things on the phone they wouldn't dare say to your face and it is harder for you to make a good impression. If they are seriously considering you for the job, they can take the time to see you personally. An interview is an opportunity for you to learn about the company too, you have a right to do that in person. If they are a company worth working for they will respect you for demanding a real interview.

Answer 8

Wow, congratulations! :) Phone interview.. hmm. That would be easier than a face-to-face interview, I'm sure! :) I've never done one before, but; Don't read anything while talking (that you don't need.... example, a note on the fridge, ingredients in a snack)... don't look at something else that would distract you... maybe write down some prompts like "Well it's been a pleasure talking with you", "I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me", etc. In case you get nervous, those prompts help! But don't be playing with the paper, they don't want background noise, lol. Good luck!!

Answer 9

Yes,

Keep the job description in front of you.
Keep the company profile in front of you.
Keep a glass of water with you.

Keep your CV in front of you.

Before you attend the call, match the job role with your cv and write down some examples of it in a paper.

They will ask you some examples so be prepared. Like they will ask you how worked as a team.

Smile when you call. Read a joke book so that there is a smile when you call.

These people want to see how you behave. Always stand up while calling. If you have cordless work on that.

Go thru you CV and see how you fit their requirements.

Listen to them well before answering. If not clear ask them again.

Don't go beating about the bush if you don't know.

Best of luck

Answer 10

Be informal and friendly. They will ask you to give some examples of the work you have done. EG when have you been put under pressure. How would you descibe yourself in 3 words? Above all though, they just want to see what makes you tick- to see if you will fit in with the rest of the team on a social level etc. Try not to sound too rehearsed, just be friendly.

Good luck! Its never as bad as you think it is!

Answer 11

Prepare yourself for questions like....

how would/have you resolved a problem at work....
how would/have you used your initiative
how do you rate youself as a team worker...give example

Basically they will be asking you for a lot of examples, remember your best qualities and have them prepared a few different ways so as they could be applied to more than one answer. It's not a trick interview and that 40 minutes will fly by....have lots of things written down to prompt yourself, relax, smile and be yourself...the job is yours already...Good Luck