Phone Interviews: 8 Important Success Techniques You Need To Know

Recently, A HR Manager shared the following experience. Kimani’s phone rings, with no answer. We try again, it rings for a long duration and finally he picks Kimani: (Noisy Background) Hello! Caller: Hello, this is Susan Wachira from XYZ Company, am I speaking to Steven Njoroge? Kimani: Hello! Hello! Am in a noisy background uummh! What’s your name again? Hello! Caller: Please call me when you are in a quiet place. The conversation is cut down…. Just like the case of Kimani as illustrated, many candidates allow themselves to be caught on the hop. Sharon Njoroge of Armada Human Capital explains that, “If you’re not able to make some quiet time when they call, do not pick the call at all until you are out of the noisy place or set a time for the interview to take place.” While initial interviews by telephone are more common than they used to be, David Muriiithi HR Manager Transport and Lifting explains that, “the HR may just be looking for a confident manner and intelligent responses to some set questions.” Warning that the HR managers will judge you from the minute you pick that call, Ms. Njoroge explains that one needs to be more organised and prepared for the telephone interview in advance. “If you sound confused and disorganised you might not get a second chance.” Have some information about the role and company. Think about answers you might give to their questions, particularly with regard to competency based questions. Do your research and prepare some questions to ask them exactly as you would for a regular interview. 1. To begin with, have them at Hello, then give your name - Say hello when you answer, and give your name, instead of a casual greeting like hi or hey, how’s it going? It sounds much more professional. 2. Polish Your Language –In an interview use very formal language; that is English. “If the HR speaks in English then the candidate should not mix English and Swahili or Sheng,” explains Ms Njoroge. Additionally, avoid using filler words like yup, ummm, like, or you know. They make you look unprofessional. 3. Pauses -Follow the Three-Second Rule. After the interviewer asks you a question, pause for three seconds before replying. “It shows that you’re thinking rather than rushing to fill the silence, plus avoids the awkward possibility of you accidentally speaking over her,” explains Mr. Muriithi. 4. Listen carefully –Another technique to pass a telephone interview is listening carefully, and if you don’t fully understand the question, ask for clarification. 5. Sound enthusiastic -Let your feelings come out as the sort of person they want on the team. Mr. Muriithi points out that during face to face meeting; your passion for the position comes through in your body language and facial expressions. Over the phone, you need to go the extra step to prove your enthusiasm. When appropriate, weave in phrases like, “I’m so excited about the possibility of working for work for ABC Company. Teaching is in my DNA.” 6. Smile when you talk on the telephone.You’ll be more relaxed, you’ll sound more confident and assertive 7. Finish Strong-The second most important part of the interview is the end. When the conversation is drawing to a close, say, “I’d like to thank you for your time and consideration.” Then, ask what the next steps are. (If she hesitates, you’re probably not going to get a face-to-face meeting.) Finally, tell her, “I’m highly interested in this position, and here’s why I think I’d be a great fit.” Managers remember the beginning and end of an interview best, but the middle gets lost in the ether-so it’s a good idea to reiterate your top three strengths. 8. Follow Up -Make sure you have the interviewer’s email details at the end of the interview so that after the interview ends you can write them a thank you note, so as to reiterate your interest in the role and outline key points discussed and what you think you bring to the table. In conclusion, a phone interview is still an interview even if you don’t have to go to their offices, “one needs to be as prepared and well presented as you would be for a face to face interview.”