After 9 years of the same job, I am out looking again. The downfall is that I can't seem to get past the phone interview. I am the type of person that does much better face-to-face with someone. When I get the call I choke. I am very qualified for the position that I am seeking.
2007-03-16 02:42:39 · 8 answers · asked by ncisnumber1 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Dont sit down, walk while on the phone. It makes you sound more assertive believe it or not. Make a list, take deep breaths, before calling. Dont ramble. Have your own questions ready to go.
2007-03-16 03:29:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anne E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, phone interviews can be very tricky because you never know how an answer landed with the interviewer. I understand your discomfort.
I suggest you write a list of questions that you could be asked. Use the job announcement to see what exactly they are looking for and questions you have been asked before. Then answer the questions as detailed but succinct as possible (write them down if you need to). Once you know the answers practice saying them with confidence and a smile on your face (yes people can hear you smiling).
The rule of thumb to remember on a phone interview is that you can loose a person really quickly by answering too long. Also you can loose a person quickly by mistaking a pause or break in conversation as an expectation for more from your interviewer.
On the day of the interview:
* Sit in a comfy well lit place
* Avoid cutting the interviewer off
* Have your resume, the questions and answers in front of you
* Keep smiling and taking deep breaths
* Avoid talking too fast, you will sound nervous or too slow, you will sound boring
For more tips and support, check out the Job Support Group on Yahoo! Groups. Good luck on your interview you are half-way to your new job!
2007-03-16 04:01:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you are on the phone interviewing, see in your mind's eye that you are sitting in an office doing the interview......pretend. You know, before TV there was radio programs. People sat by the radio and pictured in thier minds what they were hearing. Nobody said, "Gee I hate radiio...I don't know how to picture a program." So, you have the ability to do it. Practice with a friend if you have to. In fact on the phone you can be even more expressive with your voice than in 'real life' because it makes it a little easier for the person listening to picture a senerio. You can actually interview better because you can make the person interviewing you get a 'better' picture of you than what you really are in person. The eyes see reality for the most part, but imagination has no boundaries (how do you think people run off with people they only met on the internet and phone?) This may be an advantage, as far as interviewing for a job goes.
2007-03-16 03:06:18 · answer #3 · answered by tlbrown42000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prepare a list of possible questions, and make notes on what your answers would be. Don't write out a script (you will sound terrible on the phone reading it out) but make a list of big keywords which you can look down at during the conversation.
Role play can also help. Practice phone interviews with someone else (e.g. a friend or family member) - one or two hours talking will help you get over it. Switch roles as well - you be the interviewer, that way you can get under their skin and think the way they think.
Oh, and make sure there is a glass of water or something so if your throat dries out it's not a problem.
2007-03-16 04:02:01 · answer #4 · answered by Stewart B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, you are right, being face to face is a lot easier in reading how the interviewer is accepting you. Sometimes practising by yourself with a tape recorder helps. You can then hear where you are faultering and you can keep trying until you sound confident. As stupid as this sounds..you can try looking in a mirror ...seeing your own facial expressions as the interviewer would see may help you relax with your presentation. Jotting down a few key points about the job and how your expertise would benefit them isn't a bad idea either..Just try to relax..it's just another person on the other end of the phone. Good luck
2007-03-16 03:15:33 · answer #5 · answered by hhgal40 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion would be to write down some of the questions that you think you will be asked - such as why do you qualify, what are your goals? experience? etc.. And have your answers handy- so if someone calls and you get nervous you can look back at your notes and remember all of the things you need to say.
2007-03-16 02:53:59 · answer #6 · answered by butterfly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take some public speaking classes or join Toastmasters.
2016-03-29 01:35:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visualize and relax!
2007-03-16 03:17:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋