If you\u2019re hoping your resume and cover letter will score you an in-person interview, you may need to adjust your expectations a bit. Employers are increasingly using phone interviews as a first step in weeding out candidates before they offer on-site interviews. If you don\u2019t have much experience with phone interviews, it can be a nerve-wracking scenario. Never fear, though \u2013 here how to impress a hiring manager over the phone:<\/p>\n
Be Prepared<\/strong><\/p>\n Have your resume with you for reference, as well as a copy of the job description. Plan answers to questions they\u2019re likely to ask you, such as, \u201cWhy are you interested in this position?\u201d You should also plan out a list of three or four thoughtful questions you\u2019d like to ask, time permitting. You should also read everything you can on the employer\u2019s website and social media to get a good feel for their work.<\/p>\n Use Active Listening<\/strong><\/p>\n Too often, candidates get caught up in what they want to say next in order to \u2018sell\u2019 themselves, rather than listening closely and truly hearing the questions. Show the hiring committee that you\u2019re truly interested in the position by giving each interview question your undivided attention.<\/p>\n Practice Perfect Posture<\/strong><\/p>\n It may sound silly since they can\u2019t see you during a telephone interview, but studies have shown that sitting up straighter and maintaining a professional posture can help you feel more confident on the phone. For a bonus, smile while you\u2019re speaking, too!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Forget Etiquette<\/strong><\/p>\n Sure, it\u2019s the digital age, but that doesn\u2019t mean thank you notes have fallen out of use. Make sure you send one after a phone interview \u2013 the next day is ideal. If a hand-written note just isn\u2019t your style, you can also thank the interviewers via email.<\/p>\n The prospect of a phone interview can be a bit overwhelming but acing one isn\u2019t rocket science. Follow the above tips to make a great first impression on the phone so you can score an on-site interview next. Good luck!<\/p>\n Image via Flickr\/Nattanan Srisut<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you\u2019re hoping your resume and cover letter will score you an in-person interview, you may need to adjust your expectations a bit. Employers are increasingly using phone interviews as a first step in weeding out candidates before they offer on-site interviews. If you don\u2019t have much experience with phone interviews, it can be a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3744,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n