photo by globalrepat on flickr.com
Studies have shown that 90% of communication is nonverbal. So how do you shine in the increasingly popular phone interview? You can’t take advantage of your good looks, great wardrobe, firm handshake, eye contact, and JLo perfume.
But there are unique elements of a phone interview that you can use to your advantage:
- Stand Up. Standing changes your breathing
and your tone of voice. It makes you sound stronger
and more confident. (I stand and walk when doing
phone coaching so I don’t risk sounding tired or too
casual.) - Have a Mirror Handy. Yes, be looking at yourself in a
mirror. Your smile and facial expressions come through
more than you may realize. Respond physically like you
would in person and much of that enthusiasm will be
translated via the phone anyway. - Have Your Answers Written Out. This is an open-book
test. You can have your answers to all of the
expected questions written out and actually sound
much more polished than you may be able to in person.
“What are your three greatest strengths? What do
you look for in a supervisor? Why did you leave your
last job?” Be ready with clear responses to these
and many more.
Don’t see the phone interview as just a preliminary step of little importance. It’s the real thing. Put yourself at the top – it’s fairly easy to outshine the competition.
-Dan Miller, 48 Days
Jonathan is an Executive Recruiter/Career Coach that has successfully placed hundreds of Accounting & Finance Professionals. If you are currently struggling in your career, he is available on a limited basis for personal 1-on-1 career coaching and for resume makeovers.
