 |
Presented in partnership with YOUR CAREER
|
Tips for a successful
phone interview
 |
Wearing casual clothes and using cell phones are not recommended for job interviews conducted on the phone. |
Congratulations! You’ve been selected for an interview, which means that your potential employer holds you in high regard. But what should you do differently if it is a phone interview? Here are a few helpful tips.
• Have your résumé nearby to refer to, but make it a paper copy. Turn the computer off — and don’t wait for the phone to ring before doing so. Avoiding clutter and distractions (radio, TV, e-mail) is incredibly important during a phone interview. Remember, even though the interviewer can’t see you, he or she will know if you are distracted.
• Have a pen and paper nearby for taking notes.
• Smile! It might sound silly, but if you are relaxed and enjoying yourself, this will project over the phone.
• Use a land line. No matter how good your cell phone reception may be, do not risk dropping the call. If possible, turn your call waiting off, too.
• Keep a glass of room-temperature water handy in case your mouth gets dry. When taking a sip, avoid placing the receiver near your mouth and throat. Also, avoid chewing gum, eating food and smoking.
• Avoid interrupting the interviewer (much as you would do in person).
• Dress as if you would be doing the interview in person. Dressing professionally will help you mentally prepare for the interview. If there is a risk that you will sound too casual or off-hand, dressing up will help you project your professionalism.
• Conduct a mock phone interview with a friend, who will record it. You’ll hear every “um,” “uh” and “okay” you speak. Becoming aware of these conversational patterns will help you eliminate them during the real thing.
• Follow standard interview etiquette, including using the appropriate title (Mr., Ms., etc.).
• Stand up, or slowly pace the room. Your voice will project better, and you will sound more energetic.
• When you feel the interview drawing to a close, be sure to thank your interviewer.
• Send a personalized thank you note to the interviewer too, either via mail or e-mail to be more immediate.
Remember, conducting a phone interview is a different experience than an interview that takes place face to face, but there are still many similarities. Keep in mind too that your goal for a phone interview is to gain an in-person one. Follow these tips to success.
The end of the year often means expectations among employees for raises, bonuses and rewards. For an accurate measure of job performance, GCSAA recommends a performance management approach that combines assessing an employee’s performance at regular intervals, monitoring, coaching, giving feedback and gathering information to meet the objectives of the golf course facility and its overall goals. To download GCSAA’s PDF version of its Recommended Performance Appraisal System, visit www.gcsaa.org, then click on the “Solutions/Tools” link on the left-hand side of the page. Then click on “Career Success” and the link that reads, “Performance Appraisal System.” To request a free copy, contact GCSAA at 800-472-7878. Are you a newly certified GCSAA member and want help spreading the word? GCSAA will send press releases about a member who has become certified to up to four news outlets of the member’s choice. Simply visit GCSAA online at www.gcsaa.org, and click on the “PR Tools” link under “Solutions/Tools” to find a form you can fill out and send in to GCSAA for free PR on your behalf. |
