Career

Monday, September 20, 2010

How to Have a Good Phone Interview For a Telecommuting Position

www.employmentmag.com


Phone Interviews are necessary in the world of work-at-home individuals. There are tips in handling the very stressful phone interview. With these tips any potential new hire can relax, knowing they are prepared.

Telecommuting is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as, “…to work at home by the use of an electronic linkup with a central office.” There are many telecommuting jobs online. These jobs are actual employment and not Independent Contractor positions. They offer benefits and paid time off. However to actually be hired by a business offering a telecommuting position, you may have to endure the dreaded phone interview. This interview will be more successful for you if equipped with knowledge.

Tips for a Successful Interview

- Rehearse what you might say before your interview. Get a family member to practice with you. Practice sample questions like, “Why do you want to work from home?” or “What attracts you to our company?”

- Have your resume in hand before the interview begins. Be prepared by also having a pen and paper to jot notes on during the interview.

- Make sure you allow yourself plenty of un-interrupted time for the interview. An hour should be enough time. You want to be in a quiet room where there is no noise.

- When the interviewer calls, stand up and talk with him. Your voice sounds stronger when you stand. Also, throughout the phone conversation, try and remember to smile. A smile can be heard on your voice.

- Be professional, courteous, and mannerly. Avoid speaking negatively about your former employer.

- Present yourself to be a good communicator.

- Speak in a clear voice, void of colloquialisms, such as, “Yeah… Uh-huh…you betcha…”

- Avoid yes/no answers and instead give answers in full complete sentences.

- Avoid mental pauses, such as, “Uh… um…”or the dreaded silence or dead air time.

- Do repeat or re-phrase questions or word choices. This lets the interviewer know you have listened to them while it also gives you a moment to think about your answer.

- Ask questions. Write down all questions you may have before the interview when you are not nervous. Check off each question as it is answered during the course of the interview. Ask any un-answered questions following the interview.

- Don’t ask any questions about payment until the final stages of the interview process.

- Follow-up the interview with a thank you card. Make sure you thank them for taking time out of their schedule to speak with you over the phone. You may want to write something in the card which will jog their memory of your conversation.

Conclusion

Telecommuting is the act of working at home. Telecommuting phone interviews are much like face-to-face interviews in the fact that it gives the future employer a chance to get an impression of their potential employee. However, with a phone interview you do not have the chance to dress to impress or use facial expressions. You have to work harder in a phone interview to convey proper communication. Equip yourself with knowledge of interview skills to help you have a successful phone interview.


Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Bookmark and Share

No comments:

Post a Comment