Interviews - Part 8: Telephone and Video Chat Interviewing Tips

You can’t count on visual stimuli such as good looks or power suits, eye contact, or body language to aid your presentation when talking over the phone. Neither can you rely on visual signals to interpret the interviewer’s response. In this context, faceless conversation takes on an added dimension of importance. Both strengths and weaknesses, as conveyed by voice, are magnified through the phone. Your voice personifies everything about you.

• Make sure you have clear phone reception or a proper internet connection.
• Do not talk too fast. Be clear and succinct.

Interviewers also listen for a relaxed style that communicates confidence, enthusiasm and intelligence. A smooth conversation, devoid of cliches or verbal catchalls, that is clear, concise, and to the point is most appealing. 

The following techniques will help you prepare for and handle any phone interview situation:

Preparation is Key - The first order of business is to establish a clear time frame for the conversation.

If you’re currently employed, arrange for a phone interview when privacy can be assured. You can be more at ease and in control of your surroundings in the privacy of your home or somewhere outside of your office.

If it is a video call, please be sure that you have a clean space around you and that you are well groomed for the interview. Also, be sure to maintain eye contact, don’t look down the whole time, and smile (don’t frown or make awkward expressions).

Have a clear work area near the phone/computer and keep the following tools handy to aid your fact gathering and information sharing:

• Copy of your resume.
• Note pad and pen.
• Carefully worded questions you’ll want to ask.
• Company literature with pertinent sections highlighted (culture, mission, and values for example)
• Calendar
• Watch or clock

Preparation will increase your confidence level and ability to focus on the conversation during the interview as well as enabling you to make a favorable impression.

Phone or Video Chat Personality - The need to make a good impression cannot be overemphasized. This is your chance to convince the interviewer that you are worth serious consideration. The interviewer will be listening carefully to determine your sincere interest in the job, how you verbalize your qualifications, and how motivated you are to pursue the position.

Voice reflects personality. A well-modulated, controlled voice communicates authority and heightens the verbal impact you want to make. The quality, pitch and tempo of your speech conveys a certain attitude, energy level and enthusiasm.

Here are some practical tips to enhance your phone personality and overall presentation:

• Speak in a relaxed, conversational style as though the other person was in the same room.
• Avoid sitting in a hunched position or grasping the phone in a vise-like grip. This will add a note of stress and your voice will communicate that uneasiness.
• Try standing, it opens your diaphragm to a smoother air flow and imparts a feeling of liveliness. Getting up and moving around introduces an element of action, which instills a relaxed, conversational manner and reduces fatigue.
• Sound upbeat. If you had a lousy day, put it out of your mind. Take deep breathes before the call. Genuine enthusiasm is contagious.
• Smile, although it can’t be seen over the phone it surprisingly changes the tone in your voice.
• Be a conversationalist, but also listen carefully.
• Avoid saying something that indicates any momentary mental distraction. Allow the interviewer to complete questions without you finishing his train of thought or blurting out answers prematurely.

As you glance over your notes and keep an eye on the clock, there may be additional points to cover in the pre-allotted time frame. Tactfully jump in and introduce the subject matter that you feel needs to be discussed or further elaborated. Example: “That’s a good point. Can we come back to it in a moment? It would be great to quickly circle back on the subject we were discussing a moment ago.”

Throughout the conversation give thought to what you say. Especially at the beginning and end, slow down and remember that your words generally have a greater impact and are remembered longer. Careful word choice and voice inflection under-score the significance of your remarks. By contrast, a machine-gun volley of words is likely to put the listener on the defensive or turn them off.

The Home Stretch

At the end, both parties should know how much of a fit there is. Provided that the job interests you, express your desire to proceed to the next step - a company visit. The interviewer may extend an invitation at that point. With calendar nearby, suggest available days and times that agree with your schedule.

Should the phone interview go well but end without a specific invitation to visit the company, state your desire to pursue the opportunity further. Let them know that you may be available to come in for an interview. The interviewer may need to confer with other team members before they determine how to proceed.

End the conversation on a positive note. Thank the interviewer for their time that they have shared with you. 

 Stay tuned for the next segment, Interviews - Part 9: Following up After Your Interview