Job interview tips series
5 insider tips for phone interviews
In this week’s job search tip, we’re going to discuss tips for different types of job
interviews.
Today we’re going to give you some inside tips and tricks to help you nail your phone
interview.
That’s coming up.
[INTRO]
Hi guys, I’m Kim with Snagajob, your number one source for hourly jobs and welcome to
our weekly show where we give you job search advice from resume tips to interview advice,
and everything in between.
Someone once told me that interviewing for a job over the phone was a lot like taking
an open note test.
You can write out points that you really want to highlight during the interview, and you
can even map out your answers to common interview questions.
While this may be true, you really don’t want to rely on just your notes to make a
great impression.
[CUTAWAY] (Reading notes) Hello…
my name is… (groan)... what does that say...
Interviewing for a job over the phone can be tricky.
The interviewer can’t see your awesome smile and will rely only on your answers to get
a feel for your passion and professionalism.
[CUTAWAY] (Talking on the phone in a very small, timid voice - almost mumbling and barely
audible.)
(The audience can hear the employer on the phone) “Hello?
Helloooo?”
Chances are, the interviewer may have many phone interviews scheduled throughout the
day.
You really need to do everything you can to make sure you are the one who gets remembered.
So, while it may be tempting to just lay in bed in your pajamas and talk on the phone,
here a few tips that can make you stand out from the crowd.
1) Be ready early - We’ve heard from employers who call job seekers during their scheduled
time, only to be met with a voice mail.
This is just unacceptable.
Maybe your clock is a few minutes fast, maybe they were running a little behind.
Whatever the case may be, treat this as you would for an in-person interview – be ready
around 10 minutes early.
This will ensure you won’t miss their call and will also give you some time before the
interview starts to go over any final points you want to remember.
[BROLL] Interviewee is nicely dressed sitting at a table with a with pen, notepad, glass
of water and phone.
The Interviewee is reviewing his/her notes.
2) Clean up - I don’t know about you, but I am at my best when I’m showered, dressed
and organized.
You may be thinking, “Kim, seriously!?
The best part about doing an interview over the phone is that you don’t have to get
dressed up or worry about looking nice.”
I get that.
But, think about it.
If you’re refreshed and awake it can make a big difference in how you come across on
the phone.
[BROLL] Interviewee looking in mirror and getting ready.
Also, make sure the area where you will be during the interview is clean, organized and
noise free (simply muting the television doesn’t count!).
You don’t want any distractions from the interview itself.
[CUTAWAY] Interviewee slouching on couch in pajamas and disheveled hair, watching TV and
answering the phone in a morose tone.
3) Practice - I know I tell you this all the time, but you really need to practice common
job interview questions and answers before the interview starts.
But, also practice the call itself.
If you are on your cell phone, find a quiet place with good reception.
You don’t want to be caught [CUTAWAY] Interviewee roaming around the house
asking the caller, “Can you hear me now?”
4) Stand in the light – Did you know that standing up while you’re talking on the
phone can make you sound more confident and help you articulate what you want to say?
I’m not telling you to awkwardly stand like a statue the entire time, but this little
trick may make you sound more interested and passionate than someone who is lounging on
a recliner.
[BROLL] Interviewee is prepared and dressed up, standing and talking on the phone with
a smile.
Also, do not hold your phone interview in a dark room.
This will make you sleepy, disorientated and you can come off as detached from the interview.
[CUTAWAY] Interviewee on the phone in bed.
The room is dimly lit.
The interviewee is nodding off and starts to snore.
Find a room with good light bright colors.
While these may seem either obvious or annoying to you, taking these small steps can really
make a difference in your phone interview.
Just think, if you are a little lazy with it and don’t take this seriously, someone
else will and you may lose out on this opportunity!
Thanks for joining us today.
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