With increased competition for a diminishing number of positions, hiring managers are overwhelmed by the volume of applications for open positions. One method that hiring managers deal with this increase is to limit their face-to-face interview availability to pre-screened candidates. Telephone interviews are the most common method used to pre-screen potential candidates. When you are offered a telephone interview, you are undoubtedly equally excited and nervous. It is highly advisable that you minimize that nervousness by preparing for the interview as you would a face-to-face interview.

The most important preparation is to completely block out at least one hour of your day for the interview. Generally, a telephone interview will last approximately 30 minutes, but you should be prepared for a longer period. You should have no interruptions during this period. Get someone to baby sit the kids, put the dogs outside, turn the television off, and (under no circumstances) should you answer call waiting. Give the interviewer your undivided attention. By doing so, you are demonstrating that you are highly-interested in this position, and are completely dedicated to the process of getting it.

During the interview, the hiring manager will have a set of questions which he or she will use to gage your professionalism, demeanor, and capabilities. Be prepared to answer questions similar to the most complex inquiries you will be facing during the face-to-face interview. Here are a few other tips:

• Be sure to have a copy of your resume in front of you as a reference.
• Do not be late! If you are suppose to call the hiring manager, be sure to call him or her on time!
• Create a list of accomplishments from each previous position. This is an interview where cheat sheets are allowed! Do not be afraid to use them!
• Be prepared with ‘exit statements’ concerning your departure from previous positions. Be able to convey why you were fired or laid off in as positive of reference as possible.
• Read the job posting carefully so that you can speak to specific qualification areas. List each statement and make some bullet points that demonstrate you have experience or knowledge in those targeted areas.
• Study up on the company and its mission statement. Know about their revenue streams and products. Be able to answer the question of why you want to work for that particular firm.
• Be sure to tell the interviewer that you are grateful for their time. Saying ‘thanks’ goes a long way. If you are able to obtain the interviewer’s contact information so that you can send a hand-written thank you letter.

 

One additional preparation must be taken in order to have a successful phone interview. Put a smile in your voice. That is right, smile while you are speaking with the interviewer. He or she may not be able to see your pearly whites, but it will be evident in the tone of your voice. Countless researchers have found that hiring managers are highly receptive to the inflection in your voice. Make it a pleasant one, and sail past your competition to the face-to-face interview!

Tricks of the Trade is a monthly newsletter provided by OMP Consulting Group LLC. The professionals at OMPCG provide the highest quality organization, management, and productivity consultation services. We give our clients full attention, and seek to create amazing application materials and tools that can help you locate meaningful employment. Call us at (703) 424-6573 for a free consultation.