5 phone interview success tips that could make all the difference

If you're hunting for a job, you need to be prepared to give a phone interview at a moment's notice. Several companies start their interview process with a phone call to discuss the job opportunity with a prospective employee. Therefore, it is extremely crucial that you come across as confident and knowledgeable if you want to ace the telephonic interview.

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Sometimes, companies drop an email and schedule a phone interview. Other times, they give their candidates a surprise call. Whatever the case may be, you need to prove to your interviewer that you are a perfect fit for the job if you want to land a second interview.

Here are five simple tips to help you ace your phone interview:

Cut out any distractions

Treat your phone interview as seriously as you would treat an in-person interview. If you're in a room where the television is on, either switch it off or move to another, quieter room. You don't want Bollywood songs playing in the background while you list out your past achievements. If you're at home when you get the call, find a comfortable spot and settle down.

Learn to listen

It is easy to ramble on when you want to impress the opposite person, but refrain from doing so. If you talk too much too fast, your interviewer will not only know that you are nervous, but you will also come across as someone who cannot listen when others talk. Therefore, take a deep breath and let your interviewer guide the conversation.

Ask relevant questions

Just like in-person interviews, you not only need to answer the questions thrown at you, but you also need to ask the right questions as well. Asking the right questions will help you get the information you need and lead you to making an informed decision regarding the job offer. Also, when you ask relevant questions, you confirm your qualifications as the perfect candidate for the position.

Be thoughtful

Take a moment to answer the questions your interviewer throws at you. When you pause, you give yourself the time to think your answer through and not say the first thing that pops up in your mind. Pronounce your words clearly and inject some enthusiasm in your voice. When you smile, your interviewer may not be able to see it, but they will definitely be able to hear it in your voice.

Send a 'thank you' email after your conversation

Sending a 'thank you' email after you've ended the phone interview will help you make a great first impression and help the interviewer remember you. Through your email, let the interviewer know that you enjoyed talking to them and that you are invested in the process. Doing this will also reinforce the idea that you're truly interested in the position.

Remember, the purpose of the phone interview is to not only list out your past experiences, but to make the interviewer see how you can add value to the company. Use the above-mentioned five tips to ace your next phone interview and land the job.

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