Filtration Recruiter - Preparing for the Telephone Interview

The Telephone Interview
Establishing a rapport at the beginning of the phone conversation sets a favorable tone.

During the first few minutes, mention something that shows commonality of interest or similarity in background. This helps both parties feel more comfortable as the conversation progresses. Get to know the person behind the voice. Does he show a sense of humor? Is she direct and forthright in supplying information? Does his speech sound “canned”, or does it exhibit freshness of thought and expression? Just as importantly, does she listen to you, or merely wait for the chance to ask her next question? The interviewer may be a personnel officer or a hiring manager. If the individual is someone with whom you will be working, pay all the more attention to her explanation of the job and what potential it offers.

Prepare a list of questions which indicate that you have given careful thought to the prospect of joining the firm. Even though you don’t know everything about the position at this point, convey the impression that it’s something you are interested in and competent at handling.

Only in a face-to-face interview can you totally sell yourself. The purpose of the phone interview is to identify areas of mutual interest that warrant further investigation. In other words, wet their curiosity and give them good reasons for wanting to invite you to the company location. Basically, what the interviewer needs to hear and conclude is that you can get the job done. Mentally, he is making the connection between the company’s problems and you as a problem solver. Don’t overwhelm him with facts and figures; he’s only going to remember so much.

You can best make your point by reciting memorable stories that document your ability to analyze a dilemma, weigh alternative responses and choose the appropriate action. By selectively highlighting turnaround situations you spearheaded, you are communicating a willingness to tackle similar problems for his company. As you glance over your notes and keep an eye on the clock, there may be additional important points to cover in the pre-allotted time frame. Tactfully take control and introduce the subject mater that needs to be discussed or further elaborated. As the conversation winds down, become less talkative and give more thought to what you say. Your final words will generally have greater impact and be remembered longer. Careful word choice and voice inflection will under-score the significance of your remarks. By contrast, a machine-gun volley of words will likely put the listener on the defensive or turn him off altogether. At the end of the conversation, and if you do have an interest in continuing, ask “Is there anything in my background that would prohibit me from going to the next step?” This will give an opportunity for the interviewer to ask any questions that may have not been clear during the course of the conversation. You never want them to walk away with any doubts or questions.


Lisa Sprowls
Filtration Recruiter
Wastewater Recruiter
800-992-3875 ext. 313
lisa@rsipeople.com
www.rsipeople.com


Telephone Interview