I’ve seen candidates asking the HR contact person to try to arrange for a telephonic interview instead of a face to face interview. Most of them have a misconception that phone interviews are much easier and convenient. It sounds easy as you assume that you need not prepare much for an interview where you need not sit face to face with the interviewer. But, dear friends, it isn’t really as easy as it seems to be.
There may not be a direct contact between the interviewer and the candidate but the expectations are still there. Do you also know that the telephonic interview is the first round of elimination? You are expected to perform as efficiently as you are expected in a personal interview. Then what is the difference between these two interviews? All is same except the location and your attire. You save your time to travel to the company and to get dressed up.
Rejection during a telephonic interview is just as easy as it can be in an in- person interview. Some reasons being lack of knowledge about the company, dropped calls, call disturbances, back ground noise and the main reason being not able to answer promptly. Your communication skills need to be the best when it comes to telephonic interviews. I would advise only such candidates to opt for this type of interview. As it is necessary to prepare for any type of interview, start with some good research about the company. It’s better to pen down the information you had gathered. You needn’t get dressed up for your interview but your confidence needs to be reflected in your conversation. I’ve seen most candidates getting bored and sometimes yawn. That’s a big no no. Have your resume and all the necessary details regarding your qualifications and experience handy, so that you do not miss out on anything. Its better you isolate yourself from the crowd or other people around you if you are at home. If you have time you can rehearse your answers for the questions that are generally asked during an interview. Plan your responses, avoid fog horns (saying “uhhh, uhhhhh” in between words or sentences). Provide a phone number to the employer on which you are always available, so that you do not miss the call. Sometimes due to nervousness it’s difficult to remember all what the interviewer asks or tells you. Have a paper and pen with you so that you can note down if anything important is discussed. Focus on the call and do not get distracted, because generally candidates tend to do so, on a phone call than in an in-person interview.
All this advise applies to interviews which are already scheduled, but what about the unscheduled ones? Be prepared if you are expecting a call at any time of the day. If you are not in a situation to answer the call, please do not disconnect the call or ignore the call, this would only irritate the caller. Better you pick the call and explain the reason why you will not be able to attend the interview and ask for a convenient time when you can give the interviewer a call back.
Interviews always need preparations regardless what kind of interview you chose to have. Better the preparation better would be your results. Do well and give your best.