7 things for Telephone Interview Preperation

I have been wanting to write about interview preparation.

So this piece on interview preparation, but not the in person kind, but the telephonic version.

1. Get a ringtone that sounds professional or remove the ringtone
A lot of my colleagues tell me how the ringtone of the job applicant sets the tone of the interview. some times the ringtone is so, for the want of a better word, outlandish, you just know what kind of a person the applicant will turn out to be.

2. If this is what they feel, change your ringtone while you are searching for a job or have applied to a position.
Answer all calls with a greeting you never know when a prospective employer is calling. it doesnt need to be a hotel greeting, just a nice good morning or afternoon extra.

3. If you are on duty, request another time for the interview. If you are busy say so, if you are sleepy, offer to call back. What I am trying to say is, dont take the call, if you are not going to be able to give a 100% of your attention to it.

4. Remember who & for what you applied for. Nothing spoils the interview when the applicant cant even remember when they applied for a job position. It shows utter lack of control. If you can remember all your applications either write them down or apply less.

5. Ask the name of the person calling. its amazing, how people give interviews, say goodbye and still never ask the name of the caller. ask the name & use it atleast thrice in the interview.

6. Give concise answers and be as specific & verbal as you can. She cant see you and your hand gestures or your facial expressions, so your voice will have to convey enthusiasm and knowledge.

7. Please do not take the call at the Front Desk or the place of work. it is very unprofessional. neither should you put the interviewer on hold. you wouldn't do that in a face-to-face interview would you? then why do it over the phone.

More on this some other day...