Telephone Interview Etiquette
When you conduct a telephone interview for a job, it is important to show the proper etiquette. Not only is it important, it is critical is you wish to be hired by the company. There are a number of things you will want to do, and other things should never be done.
When you speak to the interviewer, you should never use their first name unless they have specifically told you that it is ok. If they have not, address them by their title. To keep your voice from becoming dry, you will want to have a glass of water nearby.
When you take a sip from the glass of water, make sure your head is away from the phone. Do not allow the interviewer to hear you drinking the water. This is an example of bad telephone etiquette. In addition to this, you will want to avoid eating food while you are talking on the phone. If you are hungry, eat before the interview starts, or wait until the interview is over. Not eating on the phone while you’re being interviewed for a job should be common sense, but there are a number of people who do it anyway. It is also important to smile while you are talking to the interviewer. Believe it or not, they will hear it in your voice, even if they cannot see the expression on your face. It is essential for you to convey a friendly impression.
The tone of your voice is extremely crucial during the telephone interview. It could be argued that the tone of your voice during this interview is more important than the tone you use during interviews which are held in person. It is easy to see why some people would believe this. During the telephone interview, the person you’re talking to can’t see your body language, and they can’t watch the expression on your face. It is also not possible for them to see how you are dressed. Because of this, it would seem logical that the tone of your voice places an important role in telephone interview etiquette. Pay attention to the tone of your voice when you speak. Does it sound angry? Do you do have a tone that sounds friendly? Or do you speak with the tone of someone who is annoyed?
If you speak to the interviewer in a tone that is negative, you will automatically have a strike against you. Speaking to them in a friendly manner will tip the odds in your favor. It is always important to speak in a way that is easy for the interviewer to understand. This doesn’t mean that you should talk them them like they are a child. Talk to them using a language which is clear and concise. Using slang words is the perfect example of bad telephone etiquette, and is a great example of something that will cause you to fail the interview. Again, while this may sound like common sense, you could do it by accident. Practice avoiding slang words before the telephone interview begins.
It is also important for you to think before you answer a question. The answers that the seem the most obvious may be wrong, it and may take you a moment to realize this. If you answer questions without taking a moment to think about the answer, you may not answer the question correctly. It is also important to make sure you answer the question directly. Avoid giving long answers or explanations. This can be a source of annoyance to the person who is interviewing you. After the interview is completed, take the time to write down the questions you were asked.
Telephone etiquette is important, especially when you are being interviewed for a job. The answers you give to questions and the way your answer them will determine if you are hired.
All background noises should be silenced during the telephone interview, and you should not eat any food while you are speaking with the interviewer. Speak at an average speed, and use a polite tone at all times. Be prepared for any questions that are asked. Research the company, and be prepared to give a good reason for why you want to work for them.
