How to Pass Phone Interviews with Flying Colors

The telephone interview is now more common than a face to face for countless companies. Instead of sitting down across from one or more people with the company or business, a telephone conversation takes place instead. Is this good or bad? More than a few individuals find this to be the latter rather than the former.

When the atmosphere changes from face to face into a phone to phone meet there are advantages and disadvantages. Most people admit this is more nerve wrecking than an actual sit down request with hiring personnel. Depending on the person there is a possibility it really is the case.

Why are phone interviews becoming more common?

Countless people believe this has happened for a couple of reasons. One point of view has the opinion Human Resource workers are no longer onsite at businesses or companies. In fact, countless business investments are in more than one state. If this is the scenario then one state has the HR department while workers are spread across several.

The biggest advantage to companies is time and money savings. It takes an enormous amount of time to prepare for interviews performed the old fashion way. Using telephones to do the same job helps save both in more ways than one.

Not taking personnel away from other jobs to perform them, setting aside rooms or office space and even eating production time when folks miss an appointment. In point of act, more people accommodate specific time schedules for this sort of meeting versus the old fashion form.

The best benefits 

• Dress codes out of the door

One which falls at the top of the list is lack of a business dress code. In other words, it could take place while in a robe the same as a $150 dress and high heels. 

No one knows if mouthwash was used or not. How about if makeup was put on or a shave done? None of these things matter under the conditions.

• Scheduling a specific time is easier

When asked to meet at a certain time for a 12 minute conversation is easier than rearranging an entire day or week for a sit down.

• No interruption in schedule

There is generally  no reason to work around other appointments. If a definite time is in place for the phone interview, it is generally easier to get a moment alone or away from other things. 

The exception would be for those folks sleeping in until noon and missing out on early morning opportunities. A callback is generally performed as soon as possible. Five hours later is giving another guy a shot at the position.

• Short and sweet

Those face to face meets are time consuming. Getting dressed, driving or riding public transportation to the physical location, getting a babysitter or even taking time off of a current job. Time is of the essence when it comes to the phone interview process.  

• Less stressful
  

Workers moving along the job search road do admit these are less stressful. Is it the lack of preparation? Not spending two or three hours to physically prepare is a possibility. In fact, an impromptu phone call while sitting around relaxing is certainly something to consider. 

For some individuals not sitting before a panel of folks makes them feel much better. The one on one status does make it more personal and less professional for more than a few.

Disadvantages 

• Make certain a valid phone and phone number are available.

Obama phones are wonderful for getting the minimum job done. These were initially created for the job market. Lack of a phone was identified as a hurdle to employment for countless individuals. Being out of a job means less income. 

Phones, especially cell phones cost money. Sign up for a free one for call backs. The minutes are minimal, but appreciated when nothing else is there. A worker never knows when the right call is coming.

• Phone calls come at any time

One ringing in the middle of rush hour traffic or breaking up a fight among the kids is not the right time. Nine times out of ten sitting around waiting on the call with nothing to do is never when the interview over the phone begins. Those tasking situations are typical for the call time frame.

Get to a quiet space as soon as possible. If in traffic, it is best to let it go to voice mail and return it as soon as possible. There is a tendency to be distracted and not concentrating as closely as needed. Saying the wrong thing is an easy way to be get crossed off the list. Saying sorry is not what the hiring professional wants to hear to begin this relationship. 

• Put in undivided attention when the time comes

Having a discussion with two different people simultaneously is difficult. Talking to an individual on the phone at the same time as another person in the room is rude. Focus and pay total attention when the time comes.
  
 Call backs are never schedule for a specific time of day. Most circumstances even give a somewhat ambivalent time frame. In the next couple of weeks is a phrase often used. This is a stretch of 14 days. 
 
Never put this person on hold to answer an incoming call unless it is an absolute emergency. Additionally, cutting it short is not a plus. The call is over when the other party hangs up or wraps things up.

• Keep names and companies straight

If out on the prowl for more than one at a time, be careful. Confusing one company with another is easier when looking at a nine or ten digit number versus taking and elevator up in a specific office building.

In conclusion

The advantages and disadvantage listed here are only a few. Generally the personality type is a major factor in thriving for these particular events. In other words, some shine more when there is no face to face discussion. Others see visual body language as a form of input which helps answer questions better. Regardless of how it makes a person feel, the telephone context of interviewing is growing and here to stay.

Whatever the personality, there are some things which are a must have. Put these on the top of the list of things "to do". Always have a professional conversation as if it was a sit down setting. Additionally, keep a professional message on the phone for leaving messages. Although friends and family are calling, so are future employers. This is a first impression circumstance for countless workers.

Get more out of the time spent on the phone with these short techniques. Five of the most common questions and answers are outlined in this video.