Many of us dread phone calls from people we personally don’t know. Phone anxiety seems to be especially more common among younger people today. Companies incorporate a phone interview in their hiring process, as a means to gauge the interest of the candidate and to narrow down the list of people that would be invited for an in-person interview. This could be scheduled in advance or come as a surprise call.
If you feel like you won’t be able to perform your best or are shy over the phone, don’t worry. Follow these effective tips on how to prepare and ace a phone interview and improve your chances of getting invited for an in-person assessment.
1. Think Positive
The person on the other end of the phone call really wants you to shine. Often, the outcomes we experience tend to reflect the state of thoughts. If they are positive, our experiences are also likely to be more positive. Before and during the phone call, think that the person you are talking to isn’t judging you but truly cares about your success. Not only will this cure some of your nervousness and be confident over the phone but also help keep the otherwise tense conversation enjoyable.
2. Maintain an Upbeat Tone
Many candidates tend to start off strong over the phone call but lose their energy and enthusiasm by the end of it. It is important to keep an upbeat and friendly tone throughout the conversation. Keep it formal but friendly. The interviewer wants to know how good of a fit you will be for their company and maintaining enthusiasm in your tone can certainly help in this regard.
3. Mind the Sarcasm
In a phone interview, sarcasm is a big negative. People over the phone can find it hard to differentiate between sarcasm and what is real. They can’t see your facial expressions for clues and may mistake the former for the latter, potentially risking a negative image of you.
4. Reduce Distractions
Acing a phone interview requires your total focus. This means you should ideally take on a phone interview somewhere that is quiet and free of distractions. Have a glass of water and a light snack before the interview to ensure you don’t get distracted by thirst or hunger while engaged in the process.
5. Be a Good Listener
Don’t just focus on your delivery but also what the interviewer is saying. If the interviewer is asking something and you are responding with something else or the fact openings they have to constantly repeat their questions to you, it is bound to give a negative impression of you.
6. Don’t Overdo it
Show confidence and enthusiasm in your tone but don’t overdo it to the point you come off as someone who is arrogant or is faking it. Keep your tone moderate and speak what is required, not everything that you know.
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