In a recent blog post, I mentioned that the second step in the Get Interviews, Get Hired Now! interview success guide is telephone interview preparation. If you’re well prepared for your telephone interview, chances are you’ll be invited in for a face-to-face interview. And, in the telephone interview, you will be faced with many of the same issues as you would be in a face-to-face interview.

So, you’re preparing for the face-to-face just by getting ready for your telephone interview. Here are several tips:

Pave the way to a successful telephone interview by building instant rapport:

• To cultivate a relationship quickly, use a similar rate of speech as your interviewer’s. If s/he speaks fast, try to match that speed without being obvious.

• Warm things up on the phone by treating your interviewer like you would if he or she came to your home. A warm greeting conveys enthusiasm, interest and shows you are personable.

• Offer a relevant comment after the greeting. Talk about some of the research that you’ve done on the company. A quick statement about a new initiative the company recently launched or a comment about a new product the company is producing goes a long way.

• A second comment or a question about the position is a good next step. And, it’s a terrific way to relax a bit. You’ll also get a good sense of how your interviewer communicates.

• Be sure to listen and then answer the question. Here’s the question: “tell me about a time when you resolved a problem for a customer.” Note: Don’t answer the question with this reply because it does not answer the question: “my philosophy is that the customer is always right.”

If you’ve ever seen the movie, Glengarry Glen Ross, you’ll know that the salespersons’ mantra is “always be closing.” So, always be closing:

• Before you complete your telephone interview, express your interest in the position. (Judy, after discussing the VP of Operations position with you further, I am definitely interested in the job. I feel strongly that my qualifications are an excellent match).

• Describe the ways in which you are the best candidate for the position. (The experience I gained in the operations management position at ABC Company will allow me to enter seamlessly into your VP of Operations position).

• Try to set a date for a personal interview. (Jill, what is the next step in the process? Should I set some time aside next week for an interview?)

Smile:

• Smile during your telephone interview! The interviewer can tell if you’re enthusiastic and engaged. If you smile when you speak, it personalizes the call and helps build rapport. Your competition might not smile while on the phone. That’s too bad because they’re missing out on one last chance to show that they’re really interested in the job.

• Be present and in the moment. Interact. Be enthusiastic.

Clearly the telephone interview has a huge impact on next steps. The telephone interview can make the difference in your salary, get you unstuck and out of a job you can’t stand or get you into the job of your dreams. Be sure to make the most of it - practice, practice, practice!

You might also be interested in Patricia’s latest work, Get Interviews, Get Hired Now! the complete guide to job winning interviews. For more information about Get Interviews, Get Hired Now! visit: www.avitacareermanagement.com/get_interviews_get_hired_now