Four Simple Tips For a Phone Interview

A phone interview tip that many people don’t do is smile. It is a very funny thing, that when smiling, people’s attitudes can be felt through the phone. During a phone interview, do not think that just because you are not sitting in front of anybody that it doesn’t mean that smiling and other encouraging body gestures aren’t important. One of the best tips that I have ever received was to smile and stay positive during a phone interview. In reality, a lot of people like to talk with their hands. If this is you, you may want to consider a telephone hands free set so that it frees up your hands.

Another good phone interview tip that is very valuable is to make sure you have a good quality phone. It may appear crazy to even bring it up, however the better the phone you use for the interview, the better your voice will sound to the person on the other end of the line. Many years ago, people rented their telephones from the local phone company. In today’s world, people own their home phones and /or mobile phones, and while a lot of people do use good quality phones, there are still many that are cheap and don’t provide the clarity needed for a phone interview. Add this additional tip to the mix: if possible, use a landline phone with a cord and not a mobile or cordless phone. Weak or dead batteries, static sounds, no cell phone tower signals and weather obstruction can make you sound awful to the other party at the other end of the phone line and you may not even realize it. When doing your telephone interview you want to be clear and make a great impression. Take this tip to the bank and use a good quality landline phone.

The next phone interview tip that may seem like pure common sense, but sometime isn’t done: Do your homework before the interview! Start off using the Internet, as this resource should provide you with almost all the information you need. Begin your Internet search with Google. Google will allow you to submit the name of the potential employer to its search engine and it will provide you with any and all information about the company on the net! Other sites to check out include Hoover’s and Yahoo Finance. If you don’t have access to a computer and/or the Internet, you can go to your local library and tell the librarian that you are looking for company related information. The librarian will be happy to provide you informational sources (including the free library Internet computer), that will help you seem knowledgeable during your phone interview.

Just being yourself, along with being comfortable is the last phone interview tip to keep in mind. Practicing for the phone interview is one of the best ways of maintaining comfort and confident. Ask a family member or friend to conduct a mock interview with you. Call one of your friends and provide them phone interview questions to ask you. This will allow you to practice answering interview questions over the phone. It makes perfect sense to practice for a phone interview, as you know that rehearsing anything is the best way to build your skills, and in this case your phone interview skills. Please take this tip to heart as it is the most important phone interview tip you will ever receive.

4 Simple Tips that will help you succeed at a Job Interview

1) Have a Personal Branding Statement

The first question most employers will ask you during an interview is “Tell me about yourself.” The way you answer this question will set the mood for the rest of the interview. That is why you develop a personal branding statement. Explain where you are from, your passions, what strengths you as a person bring to this position and what benefits your previous employer(s) have gained because of your employment. The Personal Branding Statement should be about one minute long.

Personal Branding Statement Example:"I am a seasoned marketing expert in property retail management, strong in driving traffic to mall retail centers through effective media buying and event planning. I grew up in Philadelphia and I have a passion for continuous learning."You should do this for three reasons:

• It demonstrates that you are comfortable with yourself. This places both you and the interviewer at ease.
• It will help you begin to control the interview.
• A well-delivered Personal Branding Statement will increase the interviewer’s interest in to you. Be careful not to show off - simply tell a story about yourself.
  

2) Keep a Positive Attitude


“I can get this job!”

The key to a great interview is keeping a positive attitude. The interview is about you. This is a major advantage for you. You are the one that shows the interviewer what is great about you. Keep in mind, your resume got you the interview, it’s the interview that will get you hired.

Be prepared for tricky questions and unexpected happenings, such as setbacks. Don't let these affect your positive attitude.

3) Dress for Success

There is a saying that clothes make the man (or woman) and it is certainly true. You only get one chance make a first impression, and if you want to compete with the rest of you need to dress to impress.

4) Follow Up with a Thank You Letter

After you conduct your successful interview, it is important to follow it up with a thank you note. This is the time acknowledge the interviewer’s time and to remind him or her why you are the best person for the position. You are only remembered if you show the interviewer that you can create value for the company. You should try to write a thank you as soon as the interview is over. You can personally write it and mail a note to the interviewer or email them.

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The above post was taken from InstantJobInterviewTools.com
http://www.instantjobinterviewtools.com/Job-Interview-Tips.html