Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

Interviewing processes vary from company to company.  In most cases the phone interview is part of the process.  However, with the increase of global sourcing and the need for variable resources at differing locations, the phone interview has replaced in person meetings entirely for some company processes.  This is instrumental to understand as the rules of the game change when the screening process is done remotely.

Selecting the next job is tough enough on its own.  Imagine doing that without ever seeing the people you would work with, or knowing more about the company than what you learn on the Internet.  Now flip the page and the company is doing the same thing.  They are investing money, trusting coveted client relationships, and offering benefits to someone that they have never laid their eyes on.  With all of this, something in the process has to change to ensure that both sides are making the correct decision.  That is the phone interview.

The phone interview is a unique way of establishing relations as there is no direct contact with the person on the other side.  When handling the evaluation part of the selection process, the phone interview when used as a tool is different than that of in person interviews in which most people are trained to use body language and other non-verbal factors to establish rapport and show interest.  When those traditional methods are not available, how does one interview, show value and most importantly differentiate him or herself from the others.  Here are some options:

1. Walk around.  One of the things that I find assists most people in the phone interview process is that of standing up, walking during the process which in a natural manner projects their voice.  Voice projection offers an indication of confidence in oneself and then answers they provide.  If you have a soft voice with no confidence, it could be seen as someone that is not truthful or unsure about the answers they are providing.
2. Say what you feel.  Communications are an interesting concept.  One of the things we learn early on in life is to show emotion through various methods.  The least of those normally is voice.  People have facial expressions, sit a certain way, and position their hands all to show a certain emotion or feeling.  Remember, none of that is available and you will need to say what exactly is on your mind.  If you think something does not sound right, ask the question and straighten it out.  If you want the role and it appears like a good match….don’t smile, but tell the person that you are interested and want to move forward.
3. Be prepared technically.  There is a compensation made by most managers when they do not meet someone.  They technically interview them beyond the norm.  They want to ensure that the needs of the project will be met technically as they cannot measure the person from a cultural fit perspective.

Preparation is always a component of the process and will assist you in being successful.  Be yourself, display confidence and secure that next position before they ever even meet you.