How to Nail a Phone Interview ePropelr

How to Nail a Phone Interview ePropelr How to Nail a Phone Interview Making a great impression over the phone is a critical part of getting hired. In this blog we’re exploring some common issues job seekers face during phone interviews and offering 5 tips to help you be more successful: 1. Smile When You Talk Phone interviews make it harder to create a connection with your interviewer. An easy way to build rapport and convey enthusiasm is to smile while you talk. This is a great tool to help you maintain a positive and engaged conversation. If you’re nervous, be careful not to overdue the small talk or let your conversation veer too far from the job and why you’re a great fit. 2. Be Aware of the Pitch Tone of Your VoiceYour voice plays a big part in the impression you make over the phone. Learning subtle ways you can convey positivity and enthusiasm will help you make a great first impression. If you naturally speak without much inflection in your voice, this is an opportunity for you! Raising the tone of your voice as you near the end of a sen tence makes you sound more pleasant and positive. Inflection plays a big part in creating a meaningful, positive conversation. 3. Practice Answering Difficult Questions You should know your strengths and be able to discuss your resume backwards and forwards. However, many job seekers still need to practice talking through tough subjects; these can include gaps in employment, a lack of education, complex technical and behavioral questions, or requests to examine past failures and mistakes. Whatever roadblocks you have, practice talking through them in a way that is honest and optimisticâ€"not defensive. Avoid sharing negative or overly personal details as excuses for obstacles you are trying to overcome. Instead, focus on what you learned and how you’re moving on. 4. Ask Thoughtful Follow-Up QuestionsAsking smart questions is a big part of nailing an interview. What can you ask that will shed light on the role and demonstrate your strengths and ability to think critically? When you ask thoughtful questions, it shows that you’re invested and that you want to determine how you’d be successful in the role. If you’re able to plan ahead, make a list of at least five questions because the chances are you’ll address at least one or two of them during the natural course of your conversation. If you’re not able to plan ahead, take notes as you talk about the job and jot down smart follow-up questions as you think of them. Phone interviews are the pre-cursor to in-person interviews, so fine-tuning your ability to connect with your interviewer and demonstrate your value will ensure that you move forward in the hiring process. If you’re not sure how you sound on the phone, record yourself and play it back for reference. Good luck!