Your resume is stellar, your application was impeccable, you’ve caught a potential employer’s attention and now they want to get to know you better.
In years gone by that would have meant an in person interview but in today’s increasingly busy digital world, many preliminary and some final interviews are being held in a wide variety of mediums including on the phone.
A phone interview? As in, we talk on the phone and not actually in person? As in, they have NO idea what I’m actually wearing during the interview!? This is AMAZING! www.iibmindia.in
Take It As Seriously As An In Person Interview
THIS IS AN INTERVIEW! Treat it like one! That means be ready! Make sure you’re well rested. The last thing an interviewer wants to do is feel as though they’re interrupting something else you’re doing, or worse, woken you up.
When your interview is first scheduled, make sure you set aside time BEFORE the interview to prep for it.
If it’s an early morning interview, make sure you’re “going” before the phone rings.
Get up, get moving.
Get your vocal cords warmed up. Brew a cup of coffee or tea and be ready for your day. Brush your teeth!
Speaking of getting up and going…that means changing out of your jammies too.
But they’re so comfortable!
No. No. No. No.
This is just as much a mental game as a physical game and dressing the part (even if they can’t see you) can really help you kick your mind into the right frame to get you the job. If you’re slouching around and being lazy, it will come through in your interview…even if you’re trying your hardest to fake it. Trust us, interviewers will know…
Focus And Cut Out All Distractions
Make sure you’re not distracted. Turn off the TV. Let me repeat that. TURN OFF THE TV.
Nobody wants to ask you about your past performances and work history and hear Sponge Bob in the background. Don’t think putting it on mute is good enough either. People can tell if you’re distracted and delaying your answers to a potential employer because you’re reading the crawler at the bottom of FOX News isn’t going to score you any points.
Get comfortable, but don’t get too comfortable.
Find a good spot to sit down and have all your prep materials nearby for easy access.
Sit at the kitchen table or at a desk.
Don’t lay down. Don’t slouch. Make sure distractions are not going to be an issue.
If you’re doing the interview at home and you’re not alone, make sure everyone knows you’re going to be busy for a bit and to give you some privacy. Put the dogs outside. Pop in a video for the kids. Have your spouse keep everyone calm. At the very least go into a room where you can shut the door and focus on the task at hand.
So, now that you’re up and dressed, let’s get ready for that interview!
First and foremost, make sure you’re presenting yourself in the most professional way possible, from the very first “Hello,” all the way to the “Goodbye.”
Listen And Don’t Dominate The Conversation
Yes, this is an interview which means they’re going to be asking you questions, but it’s also an opportunity to show your potential employer that you’re good at listening too.
Talk, but don’t dominate the conversation. Let the interviewer guide the conversation.
Answer the questions, but don’t turn it into a one sided monologue. This is as much about you getting to know them as it is about them getting to know you.
Keep a pencil and paper nearby so you can jot down questions and notes and save them for the end.
Ask a few follow up questions but don’t flip the interview onto the interviewer. It helps to reinforce to the interviewer that you’re truly interested in the company and the job and that you’ve paid attention during the interview.
Have a copy of your resume with you so you can reference it at any time. Keep your answers honest, thoughtful and reflective.
Make sure you breathe and speak clearly.
Most importantly, smile! Sure, they might not be able to see it, but your tone of voice will reflect it.
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