Why are Telephone Interviews different? What are the Telephone Interviews – Golden Rules?
Telephone Interviews are different to formal face to face interviews. They are often used as an initial filter before a final round of interviews where you meet in person.
People often mistake these interviews for being less important than other interviews. They are just as important – maybe more as they create that first impression!
Here are some Telephone Interviews – Golden Rules to help you in a telephone interview:
1. Get dressed like the Interviewer can see you!
People can wear their pyjamas when on a telephone interview but believe me, the Interviewer will hear it in your voice. Wear a suit. Put on a tie. It is important that you feel you are being Interviewed. You will perform better
2. Warm up your voice
You will sound deeper, more confident, clearer and more in control if you have warmed up your voice.
Simple warm up techniques include speaking with half a cork in your mouth for a few minutes. Try repeating a nursery rhyme or a tongue twister to get your tongue warm.
Then try warming up your lips. – go brrrrrrrrrrrrr and yawn widely.
Here is YouTube video describing some other techniques to make your voice more interesting and help warm up your voice. Go to around 4 minutes in.
3. Warm up your body
This will help to relax you and again open your lungs and voice box so you sound confident and clear.
Stretch your whole body; roll your shoulders; roll up and down.
4. Have a glass of water beside you
Needless to say, don’t eat, chew gum or do anything else to distract yourself or the interviewer.
5. Be prepared!
You can have all your notes in front of you in a telephone interview. Use this to your advantage. Close to hand have:
- Your CV
- Notes on the Company and the Interviewer.
- Your questions about the role or the Company
- Have pre-prepared opening statements or answers to obvious questions.
But don’t sound like you’re reading out loud!
6. Peace and Quiet
Make sure you have peace and quiet! This interview from the BBC demonstrates what you need to have the space and time to do the interview!
7. Use your Body
People don’t realise that our voices change when we do different things with our bodies.
Standing up enhances the dynamic nature of our voices. It makes us sound more passionate and increases the sense of urgency.
Use your body to change the tone and pace of your voice. Make your voice sound more interesting and passionate by sitting or standing in the right places.
If you need some more help
If you need some more hints and tips follow me on Facebook or read the other parts of my blog. There is professional personal interview coaching if you want to contact me for more details.