Telephone Interview Tips

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Tips for a Telephone Interview:

  q1 J4 w+ p! k" jToday, many companies conduct initial phone interviews to help determine the best qualified
4 s0 h+ Y. Z/ p* S1 b) I% q; v7 fcandidates for job opportunities. Given this, it is important to make a great impression that leads
+ p1 z1 X! c) ]you to an in-person interview and one step closer to landing the job.

6 s2 j2 z3 e+ L3 O* N$ Q. H' TThe following are some tips for what you want to do and what you want to avoid during interviews
conducted via phone or in person:
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: \+ w9 a5 L: h# TPhone Interview - Do's
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( H' W0 b! @# V0 b/ @ƒ Prepare for the interview by compiling a list of your strengths and weaknesses,
2 ^0 F0 k3 z3 x/ y5 paccomplishments and answers to typical questions.
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% m4 V! I' p0 K: L& gƒ Have your resume in front of you to refer to when speaking about your work experience.
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7 Z& T. L% {1 ]) v9 gƒ Have a pen and paper available to take notes.
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ƒ Be in a quiet place alone—turn off the radio, television and any other background noise
0 W) N; j- r% D$ ?: N) E( G! ]6 w1 Lthat might be distracting.

2 P0 Z& C3 Y' k) o& h# Aƒ Take a moment to think about the question, and, then, respond speaking slowly and
clearly.
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0 a1 w2 N* z1 X9 C5 Gƒ Smile during the phone interview to project a positive tone in your voice and your image.

ƒ Send a thank-you note after the phone interview to reiterate your interest in the position.

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, ]3 |# L$ G% ?; [- xPhone Interview - Don'ts
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ƒ Smoke, eat or chew gum or candy during the interview.

ƒ Ramble—make sure that your answers are direct and to the point.
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3 a: ?  p; u5 Q! H3 m9 lƒ Interrupt the interviewer when he or she is speaking.
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ƒ Provide too much information—keep your answers short and to the point; however, make
2 n, u3 r0 `, q8 S. ~4 E; \' _sure to fully answer the questions.

ƒ Bad-mouth former employers.