Navigating a telephone interview can be uniquely challenging as it relies solely on your voice to make a strong impression. Our guide provides essential tips to help you effectively communicate and advance to the next stage of your job search. Ready to talk your way to success?
In a telephone interview, you depend largely on your own voice. As the interviewer cannot see you, all communication culminates in how a conversational connection is established and maintained during the call.
According to Sofia Heikkilä at Barona IT, a smile can be transmitted over the phone, so when you prepare for a telephone interview, remember to have an enthusiastic and happy attitude. Check out our tips and you'll soon be talking your way to the next stage of the job search process.
Prepare well for the telephone interview
A live interview requires that you have set aside time for the interview and that you have taken the time and effort to prepare for it. Approach a telephone interview with the same “seriousness”.
“Before the interview, think about why you are applying for this position and how you can express your enthusiasm for the position over the phone.”
Even if you could take part in the telephone interview in your car wearing sweatpants, treat the interview as if it were a face-to-face interview. Make sure you can talk in peace and in an environment where you feel relaxed.
Give space and pay attention to the interviewer
As you can't see the other person, you can't read their body language. To avoid falling into a monologue or answering in a voice that doesn't really reflect your personality, automatically pause between answers and listen to how the interviewer reacts to what you say.
“The interviewer’s enthusiasm and interest in you are also conveyed over the phone, so try to get on the same wavelength as them”.
Sofia also thinks it's a good idea to ask the interviewer your own questions and thereby express your interest in the job and the company.
Awkward silence, poor reception
During a telephone interview, situations may arise for which you or your interviewer could not have prepared in advance. For example, you may both wait for the other person to respond or react, resulting in an awkward silence.
"However, don't lose your confidence even if you suddenly can't come up with anything to say. The recruitment professional understands how stressful the situation can be for you and can lead the discussion forward, if necessary."
Technology can sometimes malfunction, and the call can get interrupted or the reception can be bad. Don't panic even in these situations, as the success of the interview is not tied to this. Think of a phone interview like any other type of job interview that is just done over the phone. Good luck with your job search!