14+Communicating+With+Potential+Employers+Over+the+Phone

=**Communicating with potential employers over the phone** =

 There are many situations in life where one may need to contact an employer. Situations may range from interviews, salary negotiations following a job offer, or a follow up conversation about a submitted application. In many cases, a telephone conversation may be the first impression you give to your employer. Many employers can see telephone conversations as a clear indication of the professionalism you will hold during the job. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when communicating to an employer over the telephone.

**__Do:__** **__Don't:__** **__Practice Interviewing__** Talking on the phone is not easy as it may seem, especially when there is the added pressure of selling yourself to someone you have never met before. The best way to gain confidence is to practice. Having a friend or family member conduct a mock interview will give you instant feedback. Another option is to record yourself so can hear how you sound over the phone. You'll be able to hear the countless number of "ums" and "uhs" and "likes" that appear once you get nervous. Knowing where your strengths and weaknesses lie, is a step toward having the best phone conversation possible.
 * Before initiating a telephone conversation, be sure to be mentally prepared.
 * Having a list of general points prepared before you make the call, will help you remember what you want to say.
 * When introducing yourself, be sure to use your full name and clearly state the position you are applying for.
 * Speak slowly, clearly, and enunciate your words as much as possible.
 * Be aware of your tone of voice, so as to not sound abrasive or timid.
 * Be punctual.
 * Call at least five minutes before your appointment time.
 * Keep your composure throughout the conversation, even if things are not going as planned.
 * Allow the employer to ask their questions before you answer them entirely.
 * Know how to talk about yourself.
 * This is your opportunity to sell yourself!
 * Use inappropriate language or slang during a telephone conversation.
 * This is the employer's first impression, make it a good one!
 * Interrupt a conversation with an employer to answer another call.
 * Refrain from acting nervous over the phone.
 * Use a voice mail greeting that is silly or unprofessional.
 * Talk just for sake of filling silent gaps in a phone conversation.
 * Snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can't avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me”.

**__After the interview__**

Treat an interview over the phone just as you would one that is face to face. Try to jot down some notes from the interview. Send the interviewer a follow up letter and thank them for the opportunity to speak with them. Use points from the interview in the follow up letter to show your interest in the job.

__**Helpful links:**__ Here are a few additional tips from a professional company:  media type="youtube" key="9Dogbx_BJWk" height="344" width="425"
 * Job Interview Preparation
 * Possible Interview Questions
 * During this Interview
 * After the Interview
 * Follow Up Letter

Here is an example of a "bad interview." It is not a phone interview, but these points would be helpful whether the interview is in person, or over the phone:

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 * References**

Figure 1 - Man holding phone. Retrieved April 1, 2009. Web site: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp1.blogger.com/_V1LsrDr1oNE/RwiXGwZMv2I/AAAAAAAAAhg/Sbt9uVkE-Es/s400/donate-my-cell-phone-b.gif&imgrefurl=http://sitfu.blogspot.com/2007/10/90-women-wcopper-iuds-get-cancer-using.html&usg=__PtZb1J-FDOCYBbpKNHrUYvOx_HA=&h=351&w=324&sz=61&hl=en&start=14&um=1&tbnid=Zrl3_t2Eyk8HjM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dphone%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

About.com: job searching. Phone interview tips. Retrieved April 1, 2009. Web site: http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/phoneinterview.htm

Blackbelt runners. Preparing for your phone interview. Retrieved April 1, 2009. Web site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dogbx_BJWk