It's a good sign if an interviewer calls unexpectedly and suddenly you find yourself in the midst of a phone interview that you never anticipated. This type of interview indicates real interest on the part of the company. However, the unexpected phone interview is also a cause for some people to panic, with some justification. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the unexpected interview.
Remove All Distractions
Find a quiet room free from noise and distraction when you have to do a phone interview. Close the door, and keep the kids, pets or roommates away if you're at home, or find a private, quiet spot if you're taking the call at work. Step away from your computer, unless you're using it for some last minute research, and disable or ignore your call waiting. Know how to use the mute function on your phone in case you need to cough or take a drink of water. Don't try to multitask in any way while on a phone interview.
Use Your Voice and Body
When you're in a phone interview, you lose the ability to connect with your interviewer using your body language and eye contact. You also don't get to watch the interviewer's reactions to your responses. Compensate for this when you take an unexpected phone interview by responding to your interviewer just as you would in the room. Smile when you talk; it makes a definite, positive change in your voice. If you think better when you're on your feet, feel free to walk around during the interview. Use the body language and gestures you would use in the room to make your interview feel more natural and relaxed.
Give Yourself Something to Look At
When you're in a phone interview, your computer is your best friend. Pull up a copy of your resume, the cover letter you sent for the position, the job description and the company's website as soon as you know the interview is going to happen, and refer to them during the interview. Take advantage of the fact that the interviewer can't see you to have every possible cheat sheet on hand.
Prepare for the Unexpected
If you're given any advance warning at all that you'll be getting a call from an interviewer, take the few minutes or even seconds that you have to prepare for the unexpected interview. Have a hard copy of your resume handy, and highlight the points you want to emphasize. Run to the restroom, and get a cup of water or coffee. If you have a few minutes, think through the most salient points you need to make in the interview or the questions you think the interviewer might ask, and jot down some quick bullet points to refer to during the interview.
If you're surprised by an unexpected phone interview, do everything you can to prepare. Buy a little extra time if you can, but also make yourself as ready as possible for the unexpected moment that can turn your life around.
Photo courtesy of AscensionDigital at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!