So, your resume has helped you get a job interview. One thing is for sure- Your resume has something that the company wants and you are one of the potential candidates. Now is the time for a “Telephonic interview”.

Are you relaxed now?? Giving an interview without going to the office or meeting the interviewer is a piece of cake. It is the easiest round of the interview process. Is this what you thought?? Think again!!

Telephonic interviews are not a child’s play. You have to face the challenge of impressing the interviewer with only your voice, communication skills and prompt and confident answers!! Within the limited time of the Telephonic interview, you need to convince the interviewer that you have the potential required for the position and impress them enough to shortlist you for a proper interview! Although you don’t need to be physically prepared with the dress code and the documents, you still need to be mentally alert and ready to answer with eloquence, all of the questions thrown at you! You need to be follow a set of protocols to be able to ace that next telephonic interview.

Why telephonic interview?

This is usually the first stage of the interview rounds. They have been created by the companies to shortlist the candidates without incurring much cost and to make sure that they invest the time with the right candidate. The employers are looking for a quick first impression to see whether you would fit into the company atmosphere. They are able to judge your communication skills and confidence over the phone which is the basic requirement of every company. Also, the companies intend to reduce their recruitment cost by interviewing the person over the phone.

Tips to Ace the Telephonic Interview

  1. Do not switch off your phone.

If you are expecting a telephonic interview call, do not switch off you phone. The battery of the phone should be charged all the time. If you are in an official meeting, then you should keep the phone on vibrate so that you are able to pick up the call. Not being able to pick up leaves a wrong impression on the interviewer.

  1. Be prepared

It is normal to be nervous before the interview, but it would be good if you’ve done your research. Know as much as you can about the company before the interview. Read about the job description to see if you match the selection criteria.

Also, keep your CVs in front of you so that you are able to explain everything without missing out on points. You don’t want to end up regretting the things you forgot after the call, do you??

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  1. Sit in a Quiet room

Whenever you get a call for a Telecon, always go into a remote area of house and talk. You should be away from all kinds of disturbances including family, pets or outside noises. Switch off the television, radio or anything else so that there are no distractions around you. Also remember that the place should have a proper telephone connection so that the call does not drop between the interview.

  1. Be clear and short

Remember, during a telephonic interview, words are all you got. You do not have the privilege of a non-verbal communication. So make sure you concentrate on every word you say.

Speak clearly and slowly. It is important that the interviewer is able to understand your points. Giving information is necessary but at the same time it should be crisp and short. It is important for you to communicate your views clearly to the interviewer because you would be judged only on the basis of that.

You could carry a practice session with one of your friends where he would take your interview over the phone. Make it a real interview. At the take a valuable feedback from your friend which could help you point out the mistakes not to be repeated in a real interview.

  1. Listen carefully and pay attention

It is advisable not to fiddle around with pen, paper and pay attention to what the interviewer says. Stay away from all the distractions and listen carefully. You may take a pen and paper with you and note down the things. Also, never interrupt the interviewer in between. Let them complete the sentence before you voice out your response.

  1. Be confident

Imagine these 2 situations:

SITUATION A

Interviewer: Why should we hire you?

Interviewee: Umm…Because…I am good.

Interviewer: And so are the other potential cnadidates. What makes you better?

Interviewee: Ummm…I am better.

SITUATION B

Interviewer: Why should we hire you?

Interviewee: If you hire me, I will get a great platform to showcase my skills. Whatever goals I set, I ensure to complete them within stipulated time.

Who do you think would go to the next round??? Person in Situation A or Person in Situation B?

Without a doubt it would be Person in Situation B!! He was confident and knew what he had to say. His communication skills would entice the interviewer to call him for the next round.

The telecom interviews are taken to judge your confidence and communication skills. If you are nervous, this would be reflected in your voice and the interviewer would reject you in like 2 minutes. The confidence in your voice would make you stand out and increase your chances of being selected.

  1. Smile

Yes, it is a telephonic interview and the interviewer would not be able to see you smiling. I know I would sound weird if I tell you to do that. But nobody wants a dull, negative and pessimistic employee.

When you smile, you sound more optimistic and cheerful which is automatically reflected on the phone. This leaves a positive impression about you on the interviewer. Your smiles will be “heard” by the interviewer on the phone increasing your chance of being selected.

  1. Direct the interviewer to LinkedIn profile or a web portfolio

You want to impress the interviewer to the maximum level in the minimum time, with limited resources. What do you do?? You direct him to your LinkedIn profile and your profile will do the task for you. It would speak of all the achievements which you didn’t/ forgot to tell the interviewer.

A good LinkedIn profile speaks volumes about you. It says you are very professional and serious about your career. But before giving out the details excitedly, just politely ask them if they have access to the internet presently.

  1. Ending the interview

The interviewer would probably ask you if you have any questions. Be prepared with the list of questions you have. Not asking a question may give an impression that you are not interested.

Also, the interview has almost ended and the interviewer does not tell you the next step. Now is the time to speak up and ask!!! Ask the interviewer about the follow up action. Inquire about the contact details (name, phone number, or email address) of the person who will be your contact.

Knowing about the contact details is important otherwise you would end up waiting for days, months with no information.

  • Also Read: 4 Important Points to ask before ending an Interview

Your performance in the telephonic interview decides whether you would be taken forward for interviews or not. Remember, it is just a screening and there is a lot to do after that. At the end of an interview, you want people to see you as professional, courteous and a good person to work with.

Taking the time to consider your attitude and body language could be all the difference between that new job you’ve been after and another month of filling out applications. Pay close attention, and make sure you make the right lasting impression on your prospective employer.

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This article has been authored by Hency Batheja