Phone interviews are really common now since it saves time and money. Being prepared for phone interview questions will help your job chances and make you more relaxed and impressive during the call.
Before the interview you should make notes to all the standard questions you are likely to be asked. A few of the favorites are: - Can you talk about yourself a little?
- Why do you wish to (or did you) leave your present job?
- What do you know about our business?
- What makes you interested in this company?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your current job responsibilities?
- What are your ambitions?
- Have you any questions?
You may be asked more detailed questions, for example technology, marketing or management methods depending on the job you are applying for. Hopefully your experience and qualifications will be sufficient.
Prepare where you are going to take the phone call. Make sure you have your resume and any extra notes you have made at hand to help jog you memory during the talk.
Pay particular attention to the way you speak. Often people tend to talk too quickly when nervous and then put a lot of "umm" and "eh" sounds into what they are saying. Try to slow down and speak clearly.
Make sure there aren't any distractions where you are going to take the call. Keep the kids out of the room. Turn off the radio and TV. If you are using your home phone then turn off the cell phone. Don't ever eat, chew gum or smoke during the call. These munching and blowing sounds become very obvious in an interview and don't help. Do be sure to have a glass of water ready. You may be talking for a long time.
If you don't already know the name of the interviewer then be ready to write it down when they introduce themselves. Always be polite. Never interrupt the interviewer while they are speaking but keep alert and concentrate on what they are saying.
Don't think that you have to talk and talk all the time. Do avoid yes or no short answers as they can be very irritating to the interviewer.
Do make sure you have a few questions of your own. Keep them to the actual job requirements and avoid mentioning salary or other benefits to you. Be sure you listen carefully to the answers you are given.
At the end of the interview be sure to thank the interviewer and it's important to use their name. Once it is over make a few notes on the phone interview questions. These can be useful preparation should you be called for a face to face interview later.
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