Congratulations! You’ve landed a phone interview for your dream job, maybe with a pharmacy or law firm. now it’s time to prepare. A phone interview is just as important as an in-person interview. When you are speaking with someone on the other line, he or she is judging the way in which you speak and express yourself and it is essential to be fully prepped before you the call. By following these three phone interview prep tips, you will get the most out of this opportunity and can help convince an employer that you are the best person for the job.
1. Speak with Confidence
Always try to speak in a poised and firm manner when you are on a phone interview. Even if an interviewer asks you a difficult question, respond with confidence – without being able to see your body language or facial expression, the person on the other end of the phone call can only go by your voice. It is essential that you relax yourself and your voice to avoid vocal tremors or nervous tics in your speech. If you need help to center yourself, you may want to hold onto a stress ball for relief during the interview. Squeezing a stress ball can help soothe your nerves so that your voice stays calm during the conversation.
2. Speak Clearly
It is important for an employer to be able to clearly hear you on the telephone. Make sure that you try to articulate each phrase as carefully as possible. You may only get one chance to have an interview with an employer. If your voice sounds muffled or you are fumbling over words, then the employer may simply go on to interview the next candidate. It’s better to use a landline instead of a cell phone. Cell reception can be spotty and make it difficult for the interviewer to understand you. If you must use a cell, be sure to turn off the incoming text/call “beep” so your interview isn’t interrupted by strange noises.
3. Emphasize the Positive
Always be sure to emphasize the qualities that make you a good candidate for a position. This is your chance to sell yourself and let the interviewer know more about you than what’s on your resume. It’s the perfect time to flesh out your resume with stories that illustrate your professional achievements and character. On a phone interview, the employer may be looking for you to do more of the talking, so be assertive and proactive in articulating the reasons why the company should hire you.
Overall, remember that this is a conversation, not a test. Maintain your poise, relax, and speak clearly and with conviction. This is your opportunity to emphasize the features that make you the best person for the job.
