Techniques to Master Phone Interviews

One of the first technique that you need to master in order to ace in phone interview is to learn the manner in which you address the person interviewing you.

Unless they specifically tell you otherwise, you should always refer to them by their given last name, such as a Mr. Johnson or Henderson.  If you do not receive express permission to do so, addressing your interviewer by their first name could come across as being rude. 

The second important tip for mastering your phone interview is to always stand while speaking, as opposed to sitting down. When you stand while talking on the phone, your voice will project itself more clearly, and you will also sound a lot more confident.   However, you need to make sure you are in an uncluttered area where you will not be bothered by distractions.

The last thing you need is to accidentally trip or fall over something while you are speaking on the phone. Make sure the area is clean and clear of any source which could cause background noise.

To make an impact, you can also make use of a mirror. The facial expressions that you make while you speak will be reflected within your voice. By smiling while you speak, you will have a voice tone which sounds interested in the interview process. However, if you have a frown on your face, the person you speak to will be able to "see" this through your tone of voice.

Another factor which is critically important is your enthusiasm. Potential employers deal with many applicants all the time, and even if you have a great resume, there is a good chance that there is someone out there who matches or surpasses your enthusiasm.

Having said that, the key thing which separates you from the crowd is the enthusiasm that you show, and this enthusiasm must be demonstrated during the phone interview. At the same time, you will want to make sure that this enthusiasm is genuine, not phony. During the phone interview, the way in which you speak is just as important as the things you say.

Monitoring the Speed and Tone of Your Voice

It is very important for you to make sure you speak at a speed which is reasonable. This means not speaking too fast or too slow. If you are like some people, you have a natural knack for speaking really quickly.

While this may sound cool with friends or family, it will make you seem nervous during the phone interview, and the person interviewing you may have to ask you to slow down, or repeat what you said. If this happens, it can decrease the chances that you land the job you are applying for.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, speaking too slowly will make the potential employer think that you are "slow," and no employer wants a slow employee. Therefore, you must speak at a moderate speed.

Never Read from a Script During a Phone Interview

It is also important to make sure you speak clearly. Not speaking clearly is just as bad as speaking too slow or fast, you will alienate the person who is conducting the phone interview. If the person on the other end of the line cannot understand what you are saying, you can be rest assured that you will not get the job you are applying for.

Do not mumble when you speak, and never make it seem as though you are anxious. Being anxious means that you will come off as being desperate, and desperate people are never attractive to those around them, especially potential employers. While it is good to make notes for the phone interview, it is terrible to read from a script.