The Biggest Mistake You Can Make in a Phone Interview |
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Posted By: Jessica Holbrook In: Job Seeker - Interview
I have to admit, with more than 12 years of hands-on experience interviewing candidates for various positions, I find that the biggest mistakes aren’t made during the face-to-face interview; the ones that have really shocked me have been when I’ve interviewed a candidate over the phone...
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I have to admit, with more than 12 years of hands-on experience interviewing candidates for various positions, I find that the biggest mistakes aren’t made during the face-to-face interview; the ones that have really shocked me have been when I’ve interviewed a candidate over the phone. I find this especially serious for those who are looking to WORK FROM HOME or TELECOMMUTE. So if that’s you, listen up; I’m about to save you from making a mistake that will most definitely cost you the job.
I would assume, if you’re interviewing for a position, it’s because you want the job; I wouldn’t assume that you’re just wasting your time and mine by having a phone interview if you weren’t truly interested in the position or didn’t want to learn more about it. Yet I find that some candidates just don’t take the phone interview very seriously. Let me be very clear here—the phone interview is the hiring manager’s first impression of you (aside from your resume, of course). You don’t want your first impression to be, “I don’t care enough about this position to use proper telephone etiquette.” MAKE IT A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION.
If you are interviewing for a work-from-home position or a telecommuting position, then this is not only your first impression but may be the ONLY impression the hiring manager will have of you; and it’s even more critical to ensure that you’re conveying your interest in the opportunity—but also that you take this position seriously.
The number-one way to turn off the hiring manager and ensure that you don’t get the job is to conduct your telephone interview while driving. Others may disagree with me, but to me, this is the biggest mistake you can make—especially if you want a work-from-home position. This tells me that you don’t take the opportunity seriously enough to set aside dedicated time to talk without distraction. It also tells me your consideration for my clients will probably be about the same—or worse. If you don’t take the interview seriously, then the hiring manager will make the assumption that you won’t take the position seriously either; and when it’s a work-from-home or a telecommuting position, that can be very damaging.
If you’re driving while interviewing with me, it tells me that you’re distracted; you’re not taking notes, you’re not giving your complete attention to answering or asking questions, and you’re not evaluating the position. I can also hear the background noise, and it can be very distracting.
It’s critically important during a phone interview to communicate that you value the interviewer’s time and that you take the position seriously and will do your best. Putting your best foot forward during a phone interview shows the hiring manager you’ll put your best foot forward with their clients, customers, and needs.
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Comments
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Posted by: bc
I agree totally with Suzanne C. We forgot to mention the safety aspects as well. Good point, Mrs. C
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Posted by: bc
What about using Skype or similar methods that use a camera during a phone interview? That should also be included in this discussion. I also believe there are other ways to "botch-up a phone interview besides driving. For instance, eating, drinking, or chewing gum is distracting, rude, and makes hearing what you may be trying to convey extremely difficult and uncomfortable. Doodling and other distractions that involve the computer (surfing, IM'g) are prevalent and very disruptive. Background noises should not be audible. The phone should be shut off, no music in the background, and certainly, no other person should be in the room with you.I could add more but I only wanted to bring up some other ways that a phone interview might be the only interview...and a short one at that. I hope this helps.
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Posted by: Reginald J.
So I guess that means to pull over the side of the road if you get an unexpected call from a hiring agent!
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Posted by: Susanna C.
Talking on the cell phone and interviewing at the same time while driving is illegal anyway. After all, multi-tasking is great but not when it puts you in a dangerous situation.
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Posted by: John P
Thanks for tip as it has become so routine now days to engage in all kinds of cell phone conversations while driving. Conducting a phone interview while driving could be costly in more ways than one.
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Posted by: Kahryn H.
I truly feel this is good information for all candidates. First impressions are truly long lasting impressions.
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