Using Your Telephone Can Get You a Job

A telephone interview is usually the initial “meeting” with the interviewer. Since this conversation will provide the interviewer with a first impression of you, here’s how you can handle the telephone interview with skill:

Project a Powerful Sound Image
1. Smile when you speak on the phone. The positive intonations from your smile will be heard in your voice.
2. Take several deep breaths before the interview to relax yourself.
What to Say
1. Have your resume and other data handy so that you can refer to the information when the interviewer asks you questions or when you need to talk about your accomplishments and work history.
2. Be prepared for screening questions that address what, when, why, and how.
3. Listen carefully to the interviewer, and respond directly to the questions asked.
4. Use concise fact-filled sentences.
5. Interject short, verbal responses to acknowledge the interviewer’s statements and show that you are attentive and engaged. I.e., “I agree,” “Yes, I see….”
6. At the end of the interview, ask for a formal meeting if the interviewer has not already requested one. If you sense the interviewer is unwilling to commit, ask if there are any concerns that you can address immediately and restate the match between the company’s needs and your background.
Remember, your confidence and telephone skills might just win you an invitation to a personal interview with the company.

Kelly Garrett has built a successful career both online and offline, and has savvy tips on the best online jobsites, career resources, working with recruiters, and more. Go to (http://www.jobmedley.com) to find great jobs, resumes, career tools, and resources, and more.