Conquering a phone interview
A terrifying pause, a screaming child, a continuous beeping from the other line. There seem to be so many ways that a phone interview can go wrong. But they’re unavoidable these days. Employers use them to weed through applicants and select potential hires for in-person interviews. I think that there is a way to do phone interviews well. It requires preparation and focus, but it’s possible.
1) Isolate yourself. Clear the room of all distractions, including children, pets, the television, and other phones. Tell your family or coworkers that you can’t be interrupted for the next hour.
2) Use your resources. Lay out your resume, your list of questions, and any notes that you may have. Enjoy the benefit of a phone interview; you can use your cheat sheets!
3) Smile. It adds a positive tone to your voice, and it will relax your nerves.
4) Speak slowly and thoughtfully. When you answer questions, enunciate and make your words clear. Your interviewer cannot read your lips, so it’s going to be more difficult to understand your words. Also, take time to form a real response, and don’t just say the first thing that comes to mind.
5) Allow for short silences. Your interviewer is probably recording your responses in some way and jotting quick notes. It is natural that there will be some pauses in your conversation. Also, you should feel free to take a pause to form a cogent, strong answer.
Professional Presence Matters: Common Mistakes of Job Applicants
I just spoke for a large church’s unemployment ministry here in the Dallas area, which was one of the most insightful engagements I’ve had recently. Arriving early, I tried to meet as many of the people as possible. Looking around the room and talking with different ones, I was amazed at the diversity of age, experience, industry expertise and attitudes in that room. All of them came to hear the topic of Personal Branding: Differentiating Yourself for Greater Marketability.
These men and women gave their utmost attention, took notes and asked profound questions, all of which gave me such a sense of humility to be able to share in a short time at least some ideas they could implement immediately. Not only were they appreciative, but many have invited me to join them on LinkedIn. (That is one of the best business social media sites out there.)
Just after this talk, an article came out in the Dallas Business Journal I’d like to share. Pay attention to this information polled from 1407 responses when asked “What is the most common mistake job applicants make?” The information is important for all of us who are working on building a stronger personal brand and professional presence, internally or externally.
(Excerpts from the February 26-March 4, 2010 Dallas Business Journal)
- Applicants show up with mind and body but not passion and spirit.
- Not doing homework. Not enough preparation regarding the people to meet, company information, role expectations, etc.
- Failure to bring a pen (or bringing a plastic one!).
- Unprofessional business etiquette – arriving late, too much cologne, inappropriate clothing, overconfidence, not taking notes, wimpy handshake. Little things DO count!
Now for the stats:
28% had poor spelling or grammar
27% had weak verbal communication skills
22% were not qualified for the job
12% lacked confidence
9% wore inappropriate dress
3% other
So what’s the learning? Pay attention to the derailers that may seem unimportant to you, but are sending the message that you are not professionally prepared. There are lots of books on all this – read up and revv up for your next business opportunity.
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Valerie
