The telephone is one of your key job-search tools. You can use it to find out about jobs, cold call potential employers, make inquiries about your job application and even instead of a face-to-face job interview. Here's some handy hints to help fine-tune your phone technique and win over those potential employers.
Cold calling
You won’t be meeting your employer face-to-face when you make a cold call or if you have a job interview by phone but you still have to act professionally. Minding your manners is one of the easiest ways to make a good impression.
1. Dress to impress
There’s nothing to stop you sitting back on the couch in your PJs but getting dressed and sitting at the table might help you get into the right frame of mind. The person on the other end of the line will notice the difference in your voice if you’re sitting up straight or even standing, it’ll help you sound more confident.
2. Don't 'um and 'er'
Be careful not to mumble or ‘um’ and ‘er’ too much. Speak as clearly as you can and try to smile because this will add some warmth to the tone of your voice. Excuse yourself and put the phone aside if you need to cough or sneeze - don’t start sniffing and spluttering into the phone.
3. Use names
A great way to show respect and warmth to the person you’re speaking to is to find out their name and use it. It helps to personalise your interaction with them and makes them feel more comfortable.
4. Say thank you
Before ending the call, thank the person for their time. At this point you should also summarise any action to be taken, e g. confirm that you will send in your résumé if that is what you discussed. Try to let them hang up first - that way they won’t think you’re rude if you hang up too soon.
Phone interviews
If you’re expecting a phone interview call it’s a good idea to turn off your call waiting. You don’t want any interruptions while you’re being interviewed. Better to use a landline phone than a mobile because you’ll get better reception and the line won’t cut out.
1. Speak clearly
Check that the interviewer can hear you clearly. Politely let them know if you’re having trouble hearing them. Don’t eat or chew gum or do anything else that might be distracting for interviewer or make it hard to hear what you’re saying.
Sometimes if you’re a bit nervous your mouth goes dry and your voice starts to get croaky. Have a glass of water nearby so you can excuse yourself for a moment and take a sip.
2. Don't interrupt
Try not to interrupt the interviewer, wait till they’ve finished asking you the question before you begin your answer. Even if you need to clarify something, don’t speak until they’ve finished what they’re saying.
3. Give detailed answers
Give detailed answers, don’t just answer with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or short sentence. When you’re on the phone, your interviewer can’t see you nod or smile or make hand gestures to support what you’re saying so words are all you’ve got to impress them! If you need some time to think about an answer just let the interviewer know, don’t leave them waiting in silence.
Your phone interview might be just one part of the recruitment process so you should ask about what happens next and if you’ll have a chance to meet in person.
