Though this topic is very generic, but at times candidates fail to it due importance & end up in being complacent & are unable to crack the telephonic /skype interview. These tips could be of help for those who have been failing to crack telephonic /skype interview .
Cracking a Telephonic / Skype Interview
With employers are opting to reaching out to suitable candidates all across the globe and digital modernization moving at a breakneck speed, telephonic/skype interviews are on the rise to shortlist candidates in the initial interview process. This could sound interesting and convenient for candidates to sit wherever they want and answer the interviewer using cue cards or accessing the internet.
But hold on, for nothing comes so easy.
Like in any other interview, you stand the chance of getting rejected in a telephonic interview even though you may think it is easy as the interviewer does not see you or in case of Skype you are Virtually face to face with the interviewer.
So here is what you can do to grab the opportunity and crack a telephonic / Skype interview:
1. Pay Due Importance to the Interview
“There’s only one interview technique that maters...Do your homework diligently… prepare.”
It is the first chance for you to touch base with the company you are wanting to join as preferred brand to be associated with and a good opportunity for the company to select only the best of candidates. So take it as seriously as you would take a face-to-face interview and prepare yourself accordingly. Prepare your answers to some of the most common interview questions before the interview but avoid sounding rehearsed, and keep yourself prepared. Keeping a little time for yourself before the interview starts is good so that you can relax and be in the right frame of mind.
2. No Disturbance
Select a location where you can speak comfortably without any disturbance. Since companies provide the interview time in advance you can select a suitable place for yourself. Look out for a spot with good telephone network connectivity, switch off TVs and radios, if there are kids keep them out, inform family members not to disturb in between the call and preferably get the door locked from inside if you are in a room. If you have a landline phone there can be nothing better since it will avoid any call drop. Sit down in a relaxed position but do not slouch and make sure you sound professional all throughout.
Some hiring Companies prefer Skype as first round of Interview Telephonic Interviews. Skype gives an opportunity to the interviewer to view the candidate , his body language, confidence level. There are few guidelines for attending a Skype interview.
1- The Environment should be quiet, Business like setting . Avoid cluttered background to avoid disturbance & distraction
2- Be formally dressed
3- Use a headphone set
4- Check your Internet connection & if on Laptop the Battery Charge level to avoid any in between glitches.
5- Don’t Slouch – Maintain proper Body Posture. Maintaining Eye contact is vital whether in face to face or on Skype.
6- Test Call with a Friend prior to actual Skype Interview to get a feel of the Process especially if it’s your first time.
3. Keep Important Documents Ready
Telephonic Interview
Keep all important documents, like resume, job description, cover letter or anything you may want to refer, close at hand. Keep a pen and paper too so that you can jot down things of importance during discussion. You can also write down important points on a piece of paper to refer to them during the interview. But let your writing be clear so that you can refer to them easily even while under pressure.
Skype
Avoid keeping any Documents or written Notes to refer during the process, doing so would present a very negative image of you.
4. Collect Information
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin
As with any interview be prepared with a thorough knowledge of the company you are applying to. Read all you can about the company – go to their website or blog - and if you happen to know the name of the interviewer get some information about them through LinkedIn. But never ever think of sending a friend request to any of your interviewers.
Go through the job description thoroughly and try to customize your answers according to what the interviewer is looking out for. This is how you can come out as the perfect candidate and showcase the desired skill sets.
5. A Positive Frame of Mind
In the telephonic interview , the interviewer does not see you, so all you have is your voice and words and of course your knowledge to impress the interviewer. Articulation is the Key here. If you think the employer cannot see you hence cannot judge your frame of mind you are wrong. Your enthusiasm will reflect in your voice and hence keep a smile intact and be in a positive frame of mind while you speak to your interviewer. As per some experts dressing up for a telephonic interview can do wonders in setting up the right atmosphere for you and give you a feel good factor.
Since the interview can see you in a Skype Interview, it’s highly advisable to be formally dressed , maintain proper eye contact & speak in a coherent tone.
6. Ask Questions
When the interviewer asks you whether you have any questions, grab this opportunity & make it meaningful & informative discussion. You can ask about your job role, future career succession plan , the company’s current goals and the like. This shows your interest and inclination towards the job and proves your awareness. This will also allow you to understand how well you fit into the role. A research about the company can help you here.
8. Let the Conversation Flow
Apart from looking out for the perfect candidate the interviewer is looking out for someone who would be a good company to work with. So stick to a more conversational tone instead of mechanically answering the questions.
Also, reply to the questions but make sure you come out as a good listener too rather than dominating the conversation. After the interviewer shoots a question at you, wait for a second in case the interviewer has anything else to add. Else, you might both be talking at the same time, which could be awkward. In fact, pausing allows you time to think what you need to say next. Finally, it is the interviewer who should be leading the conversation, so go slow.
9. Speak with a Clear Voice
Keep your voice clear and do not mumble. The interviewer should hear and understand you clearly. Breathe in between to remain relaxed and go slow. By slow it does not mean you sound lifeless and bored. Rather you need to be enthusiastic all the while and speak at a moderate pace. But all the while be honest and thoughtful in your conversation.
A glass of water kept close by is a good option to clear your throat if required.
10. Avoid Salary Discussion
If you are getting impatient to discuss the salary then please hold on for some time. It can be done at a later stage during the final rounds of the interview. It is too early to negotiate your salary as the interviewer is still assessing you.
11. Ask the Interviewer for Further Questions
As the interview comes to an end it is a good idea to ask the interviewer if there is anything else he / she would like to know. This allows the interviewer to run down the questions and check out if anything had been missed out. Finally, you can enquire what would be the next step forward.
12. A Thank You Note
Finally, whether the interview was good or bad do not forget to thank your interviewer. It is a gesture that will reflect your character and positive attitude. Infact, you can send a thank you note to the interviewer the next day of the interview for the time invested in talking to you and say that you enjoyed the discussion. It is, indeed, an excellent way to leave a good impression before the interviewer.
“I can count on one hand the number of people who wrote me a thank you letter after having an interview, and I gave almost all of them a job.” – Kate Reardon
If you have taken care to keep these simple tips in mind, you are sure to nail the interview .
By Sarla Sharma
Pioneer Management Consultant Pvt Ltd
Follow Us On Linkedin
Leave a comment