How to Unblock Phone Calls? As in the popular movie line “Hello there was me”. Sometimes first impressions say it all. Sometimes you can surprise the company with your first hello, and then other times you can ruin it. An example of some blunders is the first date. Sports team tryouts only take 30 minutes and a 45-minute phone call takes only 15 minutes and only 10 minutes. Understand that there will always be exceptions to the rule.
Like the other examples above, you can check the phone call to get positive results. It is clear that many companies have reduced their recruitment budgets and are operating with limited resources. Jobs have been posted in the past and qualified candidates would be called for face-to-face interviews. Note that most local companies will receive hundreds of resumes for each position posted. For regional and national companies, this number could approach a thousand resumes per job posting. These companies don’t take HR time to screen and interview hundreds of candidates. Those days are gone, and the current candidate selection approach is to make your first interview over the phone to screen out unqualified candidates.
Phone interviews are designed for one purpose only and that is to prequalify you for the position while reducing the pool of candidates. This prequalification is necessary as it saves the company time and money in the selection process. The good news for the selected candidate is that you will have a chance to interview for the job. This is a great opportunity for you to present your qualifications and experience for the position. Preparing for a phone interview should be seen as important as preparing for a face-to-face interview.
Today’s Job candidates should look at the phone interview differently from the face-to-face interview. Note that you must pass this interview, otherwise there will be no face-to-face interview. Here are four hurdles you need to clear:
1. Preparation.
You need to prepare for the job by researching the company. This should include knowing the products and services the company offers, as well as getting to know its competitors. Take time to review the company’s mission and vision statement. Do your homework by matching your resume with the job description and making sure you’re qualified for the job. If you do this, you will overcome the first hurdle.
2. Phone Status.
Let’s face it; this is a difficult thing. You may have the best qualifications and be ideal for the job; If you can’t present well on the phone, you can’t pass the 2nd barrier. A proven way to make sure you’re answering questions correctly and that you’re not rambling is to use the STAR technique when answering questions. [S] Situation [T] Task [A] Action [R] Results. Some HR Professionals will listen to STAR responses to determine if you are communicating clearly. Standing during your phone call will help reduce anxiety as well as help you project your voice more confidently. If you do this, you will overcome the second hurdle.
3. Index Cards.
Having index cards handy will ensure you have notes to refer to during your interview. If there are key points you want to capture about the company or the position, you’ll want to make sure you include them on the index cards. Will every interview ends with a “do you have a question for me”? Guaranteed you won’t forget because your questions are already ready and in front of you. If you do this, you will overcome the third hurdle.
4. Turn it off.
Yes, you should hang up during your phone call. You must show that you are excited to be considered for the job and that you want to be a part of their team. “Jane Smith, thank you for allowing me to present my qualifications to you this morning. I know my years of experience and professional achievements will be of tremendous value to your organization. I’m excited about the next step. Do you have your support? advance me to the next stage of the interview process”? As a result; Companies want to know that you are enthusiastic and a part of their team. If you do, you have crossed the final hurdle and crossed the Phone Call finish line.
Using proven interview techniques can be the differentiator when competing in today’s tough job market.
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