Employers are still hiring during the pandemic but they usually rearrange to phone interviews instead of physical interviews to keep both sides safe from the virus.
Although many people are losing their job due to COVID-19, some employers are still hiring during the coronavirus pandemic but they usually rearrange the physical interview session to phone interview to keep both sides safe from the virus. So it's crucial to be ready for a phone interview immediately while you searching for a job. A lot of companies begin the interview process with a phone call to talk over the job opportunity with a prospective employee, decide whether the candidate is a good fit, and measure his or her interest in the position. In some cases, a phone interview may be the only interview you'll have.
Prepare for a Phone Interview
Review these phone interview tips and techniques before you get on the telephone to interview for a job so you can ace the interview and make it to the next round.
Research the Company - Review the job description and do a bit of research on the company.
Prepare in Advance - Prepare for a phone interview just the same as a normal interview. Put together a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical phone interview questions. besides, have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer.
Show the Employer You're a Match - Take the time to match your qualifications to the job description so that you can speak to why you're a strong candidate for the position. Review your resume as well. Know the dates when you held each of your previous jobs, and what your responsibilities were.
Have Your Job Materials Nearby - You should feel at ease and ready to talk about your background and skills assuredly during a phone conversation. Have a copy of your resume close at hand, so that you can turn to it during the interview. Besides, have a copy of the job posting and cover letter if you sent one. Think about creating a draft email or a new Word or Google file with all of the suitable information.
Practice Interviewing - For practice, have a friend or family member running a mock interview and record it for you can to acknowledge how you sound over the phone. You'll be able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and "okays" so you can practice lessen them from your conversational speech. It will help you identify if you have a bad practice of cut in or chattering. Additionally, listening to the recording will assist you to identify answers that you can make better. Practice answering your own questions If you don't have someone who can help. You don't need to memorize answers, but just know what you're going to say will help reduce your nerves and make your responses sound more natural.
Get Ready for the Call
Confirm all the details, including the date, time, and who you will be talking to before the call. Be sure you know whether the interviewer is calling you or if you need to make the call.
If something goes wrong and you miss the call, or the recruiter doesn't call on time, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. You should be able to get the call back on track or reschedule if need be.
Make sure it's fully charged (if you using a phone), and with good network coverage. Standing during an interview also helps you sound more energetic during the call.
Proper Phone Interview Etiquette
Answer the phone yourself - Be sure to let family members and/or roommates know you are expecting a call. When you answer the phone, respond with your name. You can say, "This is Ahmad" or "Jarjit speaking!" That way, the interviewer will know they've reached the right person. Make sure to use an upbeat tone of voice (try smiling as you speak).
Follow the interviewer's lead - Some interviewers may wish to participate in a few minutes of small talk. Others may want to get right into the interview. Let the interviewer navigate the start of the conversation, but be prepared to talk about the weather or make another small talk.
Listen carefully to the interviewer - Don't start speaking until the interviewer finishes the question. Jot it down on your notepad If you have something you want to say and mention it when it's your turn to talk. It can also be helpful to jot down the question (or at least some keywords).
Don't worry if you need a few seconds to think of a response, but don't leave too much dead air. If you need the interviewer to repeat the question, ask.
Tips for Acing a Phone Interview
Create a checklist. Review the job posting and make a list of how your qualifications match the hiring criteria. Have the list available so you can glance at it during the interview.
Have your resume handy. Keep your resume somewhere you can see (either on the top of your desk or tape it to the wall) so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
Be prepared to take notes. Have a pen and paper in hand for note-taking.
Don't get interrupted. Turn off call waiting so your call isn't interrupted. Put your cellphone on "Do not disturb" so you won't hear beeps or buzzes from apps, text messages, and so on.
Reschedule if you have to. If you got the random call and it is not at a convenient time, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
Clear the room. Evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
Use a landline. Use a landline (if you have one) instead of your cellphone. That way, you'll eliminate the possibility of poor reception or dropped calls.
Do's and Don'ts During the Call
Do use Mr. or Ms., followed by the interviewer's last name. Only use their first name if they ask you to.
Don't smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
Do keep a glass of water handy, though. Have a glass of water ready so you can take a quick sip if your mouth gets dry.
Do smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice. It can also be helpful to stand during the interview since it will make your voice more energetic and enthusiastic.
Do focus, listen, and enunciate. It's important to focus on the interview, which can be harder on the phone than in person. Be sure to listen to the question, ask for clarification if you're not sure what the interviewer is asking, and speak slowly, carefully, and clearly when you respond. It's fine to take a few seconds to compose your thoughts before you answer.
Don't interrupt the interviewer.
Do take your time. It's perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
Do take notes. It's hard to remember what you discussed after the fact, so take brief notes during the interview.
Do give short answers. It's important to stay focused on the questions and your responses.
Do have questions ready to ask the interviewer. Be prepared to respond when the interviewer asks whether you have any questions for him or her. Review these questions to ask the interviewer and have a few ready in advance.
Follow-Up After the Interview
As the interview winds down, make sure to say thank you to the interviewer
Ask for the interviewer's email address, if you don't already have it.
Send out an email thank-you note immediately, thanking the interviewer and reiterating your interest in the job.
You can also use your thank-you note as a way to provide information on anything regarding your qualifications that you didn't get a chance to mention during the phone interview.
A phone interview is the most used method now especially during this covid era where movements are restricted. Employers have turned to use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. So being extra ready would make you shine among other candidates! How to get a phone call interview? Sign up to Recruit Hero today where we match you with relevant jobs without requiring you to search for any. Stay tuned and do follow our Facebook and LinkedIn for more.