It’s natural to experience butterflies before a job interview, especially for a Call & Contact Centre role from s1jobs.
After all, this is the moment that could change your life – gaining you a fun career, financial rewards and the opportunity to make a new circle of friends.
And while a traditional face-to-face meeting can be daunting, the fear factor reaches new levels when you realise you’re going to be put to the test over the telephone.
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Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates to help shorten the list of applicants for in-person interviews but here it makes extra sense.
You’re going to be using your best telephone skills to prove you have . . . the best telephone skills.
But worry not. We have top tips to help – and don’t forget: all of these also apply to your future conversations with customers.
Prepare yourself
First find a quiet place with no distractions. If Truman the Terrier loves to bark ‘just because’ or Cuddles the cat uses your face as a climbing wall, leave them in another room for the duration of the call.
Have a glass of water at the ready for a dry throat but don’t glug like you’re at Oktoberfest.
Dress smart – your interviewer can’t see if you’re still in your Marvel Superheroes onesie but the best way to sound professional is to feel professional.
Set the Tone
You want to be calm and confident but not over-familiar. So, it’s Mr or Mrs Bossperson unless they insist on first names.
Being on your feet for the interview can inject more energy into your voice and gives the impression of enthusiasm.
And don’t forget to smile! Just the physical action of raising the corners of your mouth projects a positive image by changing the tone of your voice.
Follow Etiquette
There are strict yet simple rules.
The do’s: listen, pause (it’s okay to take a moment and collect your thoughts), answer, enunciate (mumbling is a big no-no).
The don’ts: interrupt, waffle. It’s tempting to let the interviewer know you’re listening but repeating “uh-huh, yes, uh-huh” every few seconds is actually very annoying.
Waffling, meanwhile, doesn’t cover awkward silences; it fills them with ear mud.
Instead, when asked, come in with follow-up questions. For example: “I’m keen to keep learning: are there ways to improve my skills, such as in-house training programmes?”
Have Facts Handy
Researching the company and the details of the role you’ve applied for means you’re prepared for any questions. Keep a ‘cheat sheet’ in front of you with the most important points but don’t be tempted to read it out like a script or shopping list.
Be cool, be natural.
Have a pen and paper handy for note taking – in the heat of the moment it’s easy to forget important points that might need followed up.
Want the best Call & Contact Centre vacancies on speed dial? All you have to do is visit s1jobs.