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The First Tele-Interview

Views 4 Views    Comments 0 Comments    Share Share    Posted by Aman 15-05-2009  
The First Tele-Interview

How to deal with your first phone interview with the prospective employer.

Key Points:

1. Take a surprise call in stride - Always be positive, friendly and collected. "Thank you for calling Mr. Employer. Would you wait just a moment while I close the door?" Then, put the phone down, get your resume and support materials, take three deep breaths, put a smile on your face and pick up the phone. Now you are in control of yourself and the situation.
2. Beware of over-familiarity - You should always refer to the interviewer by his or her surname (Mr. or Ms Employer) until invited to do otherwise.
3. Be careful of small talk - Let the interviewer say what they want but be careful what you say. Sometimes they set a trap that may turn bad for you.
4. Allow the interviewer to ask the questions - It is your responsibility to present yourself through your answers to their questions. This is not the time to check them out. Most likely they have your resume and possibly have talked to your recruiter. Their objective is to verify the information they have, gather new additional information and make sure your chemistry matches theirs.
5. Beware of giving only yes/no answers - Only answer the question. However, expand your answers in order to give the interviewer an understanding of who you are. Always try to respond with a positive answer, avoid negative, self-incriminating answers. Include in your answers names of individuals that you worked with who could verify your performance - names that the interviewer could call and check.
6. Be factual in your answers - Never lie, mislead, fudge or say something that you cannot absolutely support. The interviewer is looking for someone to become a part of his or her company. They will check out everything.
7. Speak directly into the phone - Do not smoke or eat while on the phone. It is best to make sure there are no noises in the background, like a TV or radio. If you have children, see that they remain in another room so that you won`t be disturbed.
8. Take notes - These will be invaluable to you in preparing for "the face to face interview," which is your objective. If, for any reason, the interviewer is interrupted, jot down the topic under discussion. When he/she gets back on the line, you can smoothly return where you left off.
9. Do not ask about money, benefits, perks, etc - Questions about what they will do for you can be misinterpreted. The proper time will come after "the face to face interview," now is not the time. Remember the interviewer can cut you out; be careful, you only have this shot.

10. During the phone interview make sure you ask for "the face to face interview." This is your objective; let the interviewer know that you want to work for them. You will never get the chance unless you get "the face-to-face interview." At that time, the Employer will explain the position in detail and present all the things they will offer you. This will be the time for you to make sure that you understand and for you to ask questions.
11. At the end of the interview, the interviewer may ask if you have any questions.
At this time thank the interviewer for their time, express clearly that you want to work for the company and would appreciate the opportunity for a face-to-face interview. Ask what the next step is. Ask if there is any additional information you can get for them like references, etc.
12. Success comes only to those who work at it.




Aman Rajabali
A graduate in Psychology, he holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management and Masters Degree in Personnel Management. Aman has had a decade of extensive experience in the field of Human Resources Management; he specializes in Executive Recruitment, Organization Development and coaching. He has worked with Ocean Agro India Ltd., Baroda where he initiated and headed the HR division and with Maxworth Orchards India Ltd. He currently heads Kabir Profile Solutions, Pune. He is also active in various management schools, conducting sessions on interviews, group discussions and job search coaching workshops. He has coached more than a 1500 participants. He can be contacted on kabirpune@vsnl.net.
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