- Some employers use phone calls to pre-screen candidates before offering
in-person interviews.
- Some employers also conduct interviews by telephone — they usually tell you this and formally schedule the telephone interview in advance, but some may informally do this without warning.
- If the employer catches you at a bad time and you can't speak, don't hesitate to
politely explain this and offer to call back at a time convenient to the employer.
- Bottom line is that you are always being evaluated on your telephone conduct.
So...
Sound hireable on the telephone:
- Remember that tone of voice carries a lot of weight in a telephone conversation.
- You don't have facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal elements coming through in a phone conversation. However, silly as it may seem, smiling
while you speak on the phone can make you sound more pleasant.
- Ask friends (who will tell you the truth) how you sound on the phone. They know
you, but an employer doesn't. Do you sound cordial or aloof, articulate or fumbling,
interested or gloomy?
- Practice how you speak on the phone.
- Seek advising through Career Services if you want coaching or assistance or have questions on this topic.
