Most often, an applicant goes through a telephonic interview, before getting face to-face with. For the hiring company, it is a common way of filtering down a large number of applications in a cost-effective and the less time taken process. This interview is carried out before inviting an applicant to the office for a face-to-face interview. The telephonic interview is quick and convenient for both the applicant and the recruiter. The telephone interview is of vital importance and can be the deciding factor in whether or not an application will be taken into consideration.
Need for telephonic interview
Besides, the above mentioned reason, a telephonic interview is also conducted under these scenarios:
o If the application is based in another city and is unable to attend the face-to face interview.
o If the post is for a telecaller position or if the job role demands interaction with clients and customers, the interviewer analyses the candidate’s confidence, conversing power, patience and the voice tone in this type of interview.
o Also a telephonic interview is conducted for the selected candidate and this interview is taken by the decision maker of the organization, or at times by the client, on whose project the candidate is supposed to work.
o If there is a huge list of applications for a vacancy, it becomes difficult for the organization to view each and every application. In such scenarios, a telephonic interview is a best option to short list the candidates.
Since a telephonic round of interview holds such crucial importance, it is utmost necessary for the applicant to be well prepared before facing one. A few tips on how to face and clear a telephonic interview is enlisted below which will instill in you the required confidence.
Preparing for the telephonic interview
o First and foremost, never assume such interviews as casual.
o Ensure that you make yourself available for the interview call, once you apply for the post. If you receive the call unexpectedly, then either you attend the interview call or politely ask the interviewer to reschedule the call.
o Prepare for a phone interview just as you would prepare for a regular interview.
o Make sure that you have researched the organization and about the post you applied for.
o Keep your resume in clear view, so you can refer to it if needed.
o Keep a notepad and pen in handy, in case you have to note down anything.
o Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
o Clear the room – evict the kids and the pets, turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door. Eliminate the possibility of background noises intruding on your conversation.
o It is better to use the landline phone, but if you are using your mobile, check battery and signal strength so that it doesn’t get cut out halfway through. Disable other phone features that may cause disturbance.
During the interview:
o Be calm and poised; speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
o Don’t interrupt the interviewer. Let them finish speaking before you speak.
o Take your time – it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
o Give precise answers as the attention spans are shorter on the telephone.
o Never answer in single phrases because it either shows lack of interest or lack of information.
o Sound positive, interested and enthusiastic. Introduce yourself at the beginning.
o Smile because it tends to ‘lift’ the tone of your voice and immediately generates a positive sound.
o Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if necessary.
o Try to avoid any repeated verbal habits, like ‘sort of’ or ‘you know’. Keep a professional tone, and there is no need to use business jargon.
o Always ask about the next step at the end of the call.
o Conclude the interview with Thanks to the interviewer.
o Never hang up the phone first. Let the interviewer do that.
After the interview:
o Review your notes about what you were asked.
o Evaluate the conversation to improve your performance in future phone interviews.
o Follow up with a ‘Thank you’ mail, which reiterates your interest in the job.
Conclusion:
Interviews are about communication, helping both the applicant and the prospect employers understand each other and telephone interviews are no exception. Bear in mind that in this type of interview, no visual communication are possible and everything depends upon oral communication and so all the signs such as (a nod in agreement, friendly eye contact, enthusiastic smile) which you exhibit in a face-to-face interview, must be replaced by and reflected in the tone of your voice.