Phone Interview tips

[TUG]

Hello guys,

Recently got my foot in the door for a decent job, they phoned me to confirm a time and date for a Phone interview as per title.

Now here is the kicker, I'm a bit nervous about it, I really want the job and I consider interviews a weak point. How ever, I recently did a mock interview and the feedback was all good bar one, I can often be quick to mention negative points about myself. (I think it's habit from when I wasn't well)

I've never had a phone interview before, has anyone experianced one? How did you find it? And could you offer me some advice?

A few points I know of are:

Answer questions with examples
Sit up straight and smile
Answer the "weakness" question with a fix
Try to use different wording i.e. production -> efficiencey

What else am I missing? I've been really trying over the recent months to "Fix" myself and a job is something I both need and want, it is also in a role which will really benefit me for customer service positions in the future. I will be looking into getting some night schools or courses to fill in my CV aswell as further my knowledge.

Thanks guys in advance.
____________________
Haz ER-5, innit!

[The Shaggy D.A.]

Make notes, but place them along with your CV, the ad, job description and your application all over a table so you can refer to them without the sound of rustling paper.
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[anthony_r6]

I had a phone interview a couple of months back. Totally impromptu, just "while you're on the phone are you okay to do a quick interview?" kinda thing. It wasn't too bad though, the questions were very basic, how are you working in a team, strong points, etc etc.

The best thing is to be confident, don't let it worry you, be honest and relax.

Good Luck
____________________
Ted : "Maybe he's agoraphobic."
Dougal : "Jack scared of fighting? I don't think so, Ted."

[TUG]

[iooi]

Avoid long quiet spells, avoid saying errr to often. Try not to say the same over and over such as when asked questions and you need answer YES... Fit other words in that mean the same.

Rmember all they are trying to do is gague you without actually seeing you and having a preconcieved idea of what you might be like.

Just imagine you are talking to one of your friends (avoid any swearing...) and enjoy.
They are actually easier than face to face.
____________________
Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[multijoy]

Naked interview!
____________________
'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[MattJ]

Breathe heavily and ask them what they are wearing.

[Ariel Badger]

Let them know you are interested and say things like... " I have looked at your website/ you on the net/Ofsted/etc and....."
Be in a quiet room where you will not be interrupted.
Only use a mobile as a last resort, fixed lines sound a lot better.
If you must use a mobile make sure it is charged fully.
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[TUG]

[Rogerborg]

Stand up. Smile. Try and have a laugh. You're selling yourself as someone they'll want to work with.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Clanger]

Don't be afraid of silence. Answer the question asked, but do not feel you must fill the silence with more chatter. It's hard but you must remain silent, it will be down to the interviewer to ask another question.

If it helps, dress up for the occasion (in interview mode). Clear the room of all clutter, don't let it be a place where anyone can wander in and distract you, do as Shaggy has suggested, have everything laid out on a table in front of you.

Write out some Q & A, rehearse them outloud...it couldn't hurt.

If they ask you something and you need them to clarify what they actually want, say it back to them, make sure you understand what it was that they asked.

Good luck.
____________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[nowhere.elysium]

Ignore all interview advice from warped.
____________________
'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Rogerborg]

[TUG]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I'm going to print off all reletive information and get up early ready for it.

I'm a bit nervous 'cos I really want the job, it's not just a case of want either, I need it.

It's a sales role and a customer role in one and will look good on my CV. Plus the pay and hours is good, the only problem I have is they have taken down the advert for the job.

Balls i say... Balls.
____________________
Haz ER-5, innit!

[TUG]

Ok guys,

I had the interview and I started off really confident but started getting more and more nervous, in person i'm fine but on the phone it's a lot more scary for me.

I guess I change what I say by means of facial expressions maybe?

Anyway, I did some research and was armed with that, dropped them into the interview, answered all the questions, stayed sat upright and was smiling in the beginning. As an overall look at it, I've noticed some weaknesses that I need to sort out.

I started getting a bit muddled towards the end, using the same words etc, and failed on the "any questions for us?" which I'll be honest, forgot to prepare for.

It's anyones guess now and just have to wait. I'm going to address my weaknesses and make sure I'm ready for my next interview when I get one in the future.

Thanks a lot for your tips, I did use them and they helped me a lot actually. Overall I'm quite optimistic, I think i did well but I know that I could of done better but positive none the less.

Again thanks for the tips. Cross your fingers for me?
____________________
Haz ER-5, innit!

[chris-red]

Do it in your pants,

Don't tell them your weakness is a perfectionist.

____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[TUG]

[st3v3]