How to Have a Great Telephone Interview -

How to Have a Great Telephone Interview -Telephone interviews can be difficult, but often theyre the precursor to an up-close-and-personal opportunity to present yourself, so its important to get it right. Youre a voice on the phone, and you need to come across as professional and personable with none of the advantages of a great appearance and open, friendly body language. Its natural to be nervous, but if you follow the techniques outlined below, youll be fine.Use a Land LineThere are few things more embarrassing, unprofessional, and generally frustrating to all concerned than trying to conduct a telephone interview, only to have your cell phone blow out the interviewers ear trommel because of staticor cut out entirely. Use a land line. If youre one of those people whos foregone the landline in favor of exclusive cell service, get thee to a friends house posthaste and borrow a land line.SmileI know, no ones seeing you. But take a tip from call center workers everywhere, who hear ti me and again from their supervisors, Smile when you dial Believe it or not, it really does come through in your voice, and you want to come across as friendly and personable.Keep Your Resume at HandWhen youre asked in your telephone interview about your employment history, the last thing you want to say is Ummmm . You want to be able to provide names, contacts, job descriptions, and dates of employment without hesitation. Remember, youre in a virtual meeting, and you need to be prepared.No PetsI know, you love your fur kid. But you wouldnt bring him or her to a face-to-face interview, would you? Its beyond embarrassing to have to say to a potential employer, Sorry about the noise, its just Snuggles* yelping at the birds outside my window, or Oops, sorry, Miss Kitty** wanted to be petted, and she knocked the phone out of my hand Unless youre applying for a job at an animal shelter, pet shop, or veterinary clinic, put the babies in another room. Actually, now that I think about it, th at applies to human babies as wellbut of course, SUPERVISED in the other room. JAsk QuestionsThis applies just as much to a phone interview as it does when youre face to face. The employer wants to know that youre interested in the organization, so ask about their vision for the future, what challenges theyre facing in todays economy, and how your specific skills can best be used to your mutual benefit.Speak Considerately and ClearlyBe vigilant about not talking over or interrupting your interviewer. Its rude. You want a balanced conversation, not one where its apparent that you just cant wait to be heard. Also, be sure to speak clearlyno mumbling. Avoid slang. Keep it professionalNow you know how to ace a telephone interview. The next step is face to face, and thats one interview you cant do in your jammies* The dogs name was changed to protect the guilty.** Miss Kitty is the real name of the cat because well, who would want to hurt a cat?