Tips for taking a telephonic Interview with AXIS SERVICES Clients:
Telephonic Interview Tips.....
Once you have been scheduled for a phone interview, locate a calm, quiet place where you can focus
For the interview use a traditional landline phone - avoid using cell phones; cell phones are not reliable – there are dropped calls, static, signal losses, dead zones and the list goes on
If you're interviewing from your home, wear something closer to business clothes, you'll feel more professional; thus, you'll sound more professional
Throughout the interview smile, interviewers can hear you smile -- and smiling can put you in a better state of mind
If you feel your confidence wane, stand up. Standing can make your voice sound more powerful. And always remember to breathe, it will help you stay calm and sound more relaxed but do try avoid sounding like you are sighing
Review the Requirement; read the requirement thoroughly and be prepared technically
Review the Requirement; read the requirement thoroughly and be prepared technically
When the interview begins, it is best to confirm and acknowledge that the interview is focused on the requirement you have been given; for example if it is a Client reporting group, confirm with the manager that this is a Client reporting group; this will not only confirm that you and the interviewer are on the same page but also illustrate your interest in the position and that you have the ability to take the initiative
Review and read your resume thoroughly
An Interview is a Conversation
Like any good conversation, a candidate can make an impression on the interviewer through the stories he shares about himself and his past projects. Below are several items to remember regarding personal stories, anecdotes and their use in interviews:
For each of your primary skills, you should have a story; this includes both personal skills (such as your leadership or analytical skills) and technical skills (C++, Java, or UML)
They need to be about you, not a mentor or a colleague; they must be about your goals, your skills, your struggles, your achievements, and tell not only how you did something but why you did it
They need to focus on your core skills and expertise, and should affirm what you are bringing to the position
Stories need to illustrate your value to the firm, for example you can share that your ability as a leader led to the successful completion of a project ahead of schedule, or that your analysis led to increased functionality of a system
Be selective with your stories; consider them fully - a story that illustrates your competitive drive if not done right might lead the interviewer to the conclusion that you cannot work with others
Stories must be honest and sincere, they cannot evolve as you tell them, which comes from not only truthfulness but also preparation
Interviewing is a Unique Experience
Brag about your achievements, your challenges and goals, now is not the time to be modest – take credit for what you have done on past projects and share with the interviewer what you are capable of
Be able to explain not only how, but why you used that technology; for example- On my last assignment we choose to use Java because it runs on all platforms as opposed to...
Review skills, especially if it is one you have not used in your current project and be able to cite technology and reference examples of where, how, and why you used it
Remember you get only one chance to make the impression; do not guess about the skills, stay focused on the things you know best
Remember that the phone and communication is bi-directional, not only to provide information on you but they can also provide information to you
Keep a copy of your resume in front of you while taking the phone interview, so that when the interviewer refers to your experience, you can both literally be on the same page
If you have not worked with a specific technology or business area keep your answers short and concise and try talking about the skills that you are more confident about
Remember that most interviews will tend to ask follow up questions on what you are talking about. Remember to try to get the conversation back to your strengths. Avoid a lengthy discussion on things you are not comfortable with.
As the Interview Ends
Be sure to ask the interviewer when they anticipate making a decision. Reiterate your interest in the position and your enthusiasm for the company. Thank the interviewer graciously for his time. Ask them what the next step or steps will be.