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Telecommuters are individuals who spend part, if not
all, of their working hours at another location
other than the workplace. For most people, it is
their home. In order to do this, one must have a
variety of "telecommunication technologies" such as
a telephone, Internet, various computer programs and
a fax machine at one's disposal.
Telecommuters need to have excellent skills when it
comes to the laborious task of telephone interviews.
The first most important phone interview tip is to
always be prepared in case you are contacted for an
interview, no matter what time of day it is. Many
employers do not give telecommuters the heads up in
advance about when they will be calling to speak
with them.
Another
important phone interview tip is to get ready for
your interview in much the same way you would for a
regular "in person" interview. Anticipate what
questions you might be asked and have appropriate
answers in your mind (or written on paper) before
the interview even begins. Be ready and willing to
answer questions about your educational background,
work experience and skills. Also be prepared to tell
the prospective recruiter or employer what you could
do for him or her.
Prepare a
list of questions you wish to ask the interviewer.
Always ask at least a few questions as it shows that
you are paying attention and that you are very
interested in the position in question. Keep in mind
that phone interviews are sometimes more difficult
to gage because you have to rely completely on the
spoken word. Neither the interview nor interviewee
is able to pick up on body language or any nuances
of behavior but instead must go by the words and
questions they are presented with and the pitch and
intonation of words. Tread carefully and maintain a
balanced, professional and courteous tone of voice
at all times.
It is
essential in a phone interview for a telecommuter to
speak as a person in the know. Don't indulge in too
many "ums", "okays", "I don't knows" or "uhs" as
these words don't carry with them an air of
knowledge or confidence. Always have your resume
nearby so you can consult it during your phone
interview. After all, the interviewer is looking at
your resume, why shouldn't you be as well?
Other
important tips include turning your call-waiting
feature off so there are no interruptions; making
sure you are alone in the room and there is no noise
anywhere nearby to disturb the interview and having
a notepad and paper handy to jot down any relevant
information that you glean from the interview.
Charissa Bear is the owner of
http://www.momsinc.biz, a work at home resource
site dedicated to helping moms find home based
careers. Stop by today and sign up for her 5 day
ecourse, "Starting and Choosing a Work at Home
Business,"or get your free ecourse by sending a
blank email to:
wahguide@aweber.com.
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