After applying for and test a civil servant test to become a Census Taker today, I was informed that--if selected--I would be required to complete a phone interview. Now, I tend to think of myself as a whiz at in-person interviews: command of language, engaging personality, ability to sell myself, etc. But never have I had to complete a phone interview.
Some basics to remember:
- Smile as you talk! Even if your interviewer can't see you smiling, it will come through in your voice.
- Keep a resume handy. It will remind you of your achievements and the careful wording you have already worked so hard to perfect.
- Confirm the caller's name and refer to them as Mr./Mrs./Ms. Smith.
- Remember your manners. Thank yous and polite conversation goes a long way; since you can't shake hands, be extra courteous.
In my case, a phone interview DOES NOT lead to an in-person interview like many other phone interviews would...it leads straight to a job. So I have to make this one count if I get a callback.
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For my current job - I had a first round phone interview, which from my perspective I completely "bombed." With the lack of non-verbal feedback (the head nods, smiles, eye contact) during a phone interview - I had no reason to believe that I had done well.
ReplyDeletePhone interviews can be very deceiving and it is up to the interviewee to have extra self-confidence. The tips in this post are excellent and I just want to remind anyone who does a phone interview - it probably went better than you think.
After all - I got my job! (wink)