More than ever, the world has embraced technology, and more organizations have adopted cost cutting measures in their processes to enhance efficiency in their operations. For strategic reasons, some organizations are seeking to minimize contact interviews in favour of virtual sessions via telephone and digital platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Teams, Slack, Skype, e.t.c. Today, any job vacancy is likely to attract hundreds or thousands of applications which make the process of screening or shortlisting more challenging for recruiters. Fortunately, technology is aiding this process in an unprecedented manner.
The challenge in managing this engagement now rests with the job applicants. Since you will hardly get that first chance to demonstrate your warmth and passion, to show eyeballs, how can you ace your virtual or telephone interview session to earn you a slot to the next stage?
At Edge Point Solutions Limited, we provide expert career consulting services designed to increase your job prospects and help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. We are pleased to share the following thoughts and insights to prospective job applicants as relates to virtual or telephone interviews.
1. Get Ready for the Call: The recruiter will provide you with information on virtual or telephone interviews in advance. They will indicate how the virtual engagement will be carried out – telephone, video or audio and on which platform. Once you receive this information, it is prudent that you plan accordingly. If by telephone, then charge your phone or if it cannot sustain a 60-minute call with full battery then borrow a handset or quality power back-up.
Ensure you have some airtime to enable you to make quick call back should the call drop. Do not assume that they will always be at hand to check on you when your call drops. Be mindful of your network coverage too. Some areas do not have a strong network so use this preparatory time to prevent this eventuality as well.
2. Prepare for Video or Audio Call: Video calls have proved to be challenging for some job applicants. Depending on which platform you will use, ensure you have the application installed in your phone or computer. Learn in advance how to join the meeting using a link or meeting ID. At best try this process well in advance with a friend or colleague. Video calls require very strong network signals, and you need to ensure this is in place before the time. Equally, there is a need for sufficient data bundles or strong Wi-Fi connections. If you are on post pay plan, you are safe, otherwise buy and load sufficient bundles. In addition, check to ensure you have good headphones or earphones, if necessary.
Most importantly, check your dress code. The interviewer may want to see your video (face, body posture, and dress code) to gauge your personality and the like. Dress as if you are going for a contact interview.
3. Learn about Call Etiquette: There are basic phones or video call etiquette that every candidate should practice. You are not going to talk to your loved one, or casual friends here. This is marketing 101. It begins with how you receive the call, where you receive the call and the first word you utter in that conversation.
For instance, instead of starting a conversation with words like, hey, hi, or sema, you need to be professional and say things like, Hello, this is Joseph speaking, and such like. The other thing about etiquette is use of filler words like um, like, uh, you know, e.t.c. Check to minimize these as much as possible and ensure you sound polished. During your preparations, you may record yourself while speaking so you better understand how to minimize filler words. No mixing of Sheng and English during formal interviews unless the nature of the job will require this competence.
4. Maintain Three-Second Rule: Ensure you allow at least three seconds after the question before you jump in with a response. Interrupting the interviewer or starting a response as soon as they end the question shows that you are impatient and not thinking before you answer. This is a trait no employer wants to entertain. On the job, you will be expected to reflect on your email message or report before you send them to the next level.
5. Show Enthusiasm: The question is, how do you demonstrate enthusiasm during a virtual call? Well, it is possible.
No one wants to engage a dull guy. Being able to demonstrate enthusiasm can smoothen your negotiations with the recruiter. You can show this by ensuring you smile normally throughout the interview. Smiling makes you easy and feeling confident. Seriousness makes you tense and with this comes incoherent responses. Use appropriate phrases or statements like, ‘I am excited to speak to you…….’, or ‘teaching or coaching is in my DNA’, etc. For video calls, your facial expression and body language will show this. Therefore, it is necessary to do simulation before the actual interview.
6. End Strong: Just as the opener is important, so is the ending. Recruiters remember the beginning and the end. So, learn to make yours interesting and memorable. When the conversation is ending, say, “I’d like to thank you for your time and consideration.” Then, ask what the next steps are. (If s/he hesitates, you’re probably not going to get a face-to-face meeting). You can also tell them, “I’m highly interested in this position, and here’s why I think I’d be a great fit.” Your closing statement should help you summarize how you meet the job requirements or add some arsenal that adds value to your candidacy.
At Edge Point Solutions Limited, we offer you expert-led mock (simulation) interviews that give candidates real-life interview practice. This opportunity boosts their confidence and helps review and refine their responses and give them an edge in acing the actual interview.
Author: Kenneth Otieno
