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#1
Apr 21, 2015, 12:08 AM
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So I have a phone interview tomorrow and I SHOULD be preparing, but I'm starting to freeze up already, worried I'll say the wrong thing or not know how to respond to a question! Any advice welcomed!
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 hvert
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#2
Apr 21, 2015, 06:24 AM
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It will be okay!
When I get asked a question and suddenly space out, not knowing how to respond, I just say 'whoops, my mind just went blank!' It hasn't really hurt me. I've also found that just saying up front that I am excited and a bit nervous takes the edge off. I hope it goes well! Good luck! |
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#3
Apr 21, 2015, 07:59 AM
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I had a phone interview yesterday and wrote out answers to anticipated questions and went over the answers with my husband. I was very nervous too - - I don't think there's really any way around that. Interviews are just nerve-wracking, but I just tried to remind myself that the more relaxed I was the better I'd probably do and to just be confident. I reminded myself of all the good things I have going for me,
Do your best to relax, and I'm sure it'll go fine. Please post how it went, and good luck! |
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#4
Apr 21, 2015, 08:11 AM
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Give yourself a second to compose yourself before answering and smile. Supposedly smiling comes through in your voice.
__________________
MissApathetic TMS Fall 2016 Effexor, Klonpin, Xanax, Seroquel, Welbutrin, Topimax, Naltraxone (off label), Lunesta, B12, Vit D3, Major Treatment Resistent Depression, ADD, Anxiety, PTSD, Panic Attacks #Metoo Depression eats life
like the cookie monster eats cookies from the jar. |
 (JD)
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#5
Apr 21, 2015, 09:04 AM
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Good advice from all. It seems body language can really help---smiling, as Apathy mentioned, and also sitting in a comfortable/confident position beforehand (& on the phone you can do it while interviewing)---like putting your feet up, hand behind head, the boss in the office look-------I also will write a few things down, key words I would want to use----and if a question is surprising, no harm in saying "I hadn't thought of that, let me get back to it later"---if it still stumps, you can ask if you may call back...showing that you are thoughtful and not just blurting things out is never wrong. GOOD LUCK!!!! (& usually the actual is easier than the anticipated)
__________________
"...don't say Home / the bones of that word mend slowly...' marie harris |
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#6
Apr 21, 2015, 09:07 AM
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On a practical note if you live on your own and haven't spoken to any-one that day before the interview - Have a drink of water. Cough and clear your throat and make sure it sounds like you are awake.
Make sure you smile while talking, even on the phone. It does come across in the sound of your voice. Good luck. 
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#7
Apr 21, 2015, 02:16 PM
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Quote:
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| (JD), MoxieDoxie
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#8
Apr 22, 2015, 07:30 AM
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When's your new interview?
What usually helps me is to remember that it's completely normal and ok to be nervous. Doesn't matter if you don't immediately know an answer to a question. The other person will understand. Maybe they are even nervous about doing an interview over the phone as well! I've had some very nervous-sounding HR people on the phone when just making an appointment for an interview. |
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#9
Apr 22, 2015, 08:35 AM
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Oh I know how you feel... but...
what a great dry run!!! The nerves won't be so bad next time! I think the best advice is to have those easy to refer to notes --and if nervous say that you have that written down because you wanted to be sure to give a complete (whatever) answer breathe and take your time before answering, even if you quickly know the answer smile as you reply (especially since this sounds like Skype or webex interview?) and if so... look into the camera because that's where THEY are
__________________
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#10
Apr 22, 2015, 07:19 PM
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Quote:
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#11
Apr 23, 2015, 08:25 AM
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Let us know how the interview goes today, and try your best to relax.
I know how you must be feeling though because now I have a phone interview scheduled for tomorrow morning. I could really see myself in this job I'm interviewing for so I'm starting to get pretty nervous. I've been going over the job description they've posted online, my answers to anticipated questions, and trying to heed the advice (including my own!) that's been posted in this thread. Good luck! |
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#12
Apr 23, 2015, 10:11 AM
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I write out my name, address, phone number, date of birth, name of their company, what they do, interviewers name (take notes as he talks that will help focus you) all the stuff that should come "naturally" as I tend to forget them. I had to be on a panel once and tell my story and I got 2 sentences in and forgot it
 Fortunately I had worked so hard in therapy giving myself space and just allowing myself to relax and recover, etc. so I was able to pick up and start over rather than wholly freeze. They had given me a phone interview to see if I would be good for the panel (it was a volunteer thing, you volunteered then they interviewed you to see if you'd be okay and then you had to do the panel!) and just reminding myself I had done that helped some and the whole funny/ridiculousness of forgetting my own story? If you can laugh at yourself and find your nerves normal/funny that might help relax you. That you picked up on the fact the guy calling might be feeling nervous too, pretend they are secretly nervous when they call and try to put THEM at their ease?
__________________
"Never give a sword to a man who can't dance." ~Confucius |
| Bluesday
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#13
Apr 23, 2015, 10:14 AM
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If I talk too long on the phone I end up scratching my hands feeling so nervous.
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#14
Apr 23, 2015, 02:37 PM
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Well, it's over! I survived, but my undershirt died a sweaty death.
I think I did pretty well overall. Though it went a little longer than I expected. I was hoping for 10 minutes, but it was more like 20. The behavioral questions also became quite a grind. I would come up with a great story, then the next question seemed to fit the story I already told! haha. Also, he spoke on speakerphone so he could type and a couple times I couldn't hear him clearly. One bonus is we struck some common ground...he seemed excited to hear I was born in the same city as him. It also turned out he used to live in my current neighborhood. Not like that will get me the job, but it seemed to put things at ease a bit at the beginning. I'll let you all know if I hear anything from it! Thanks for the input and advice from everybody!
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#15
Apr 29, 2015, 08:07 AM
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That small connection may help more than you think. People tend to want to hire someone they feel some connection with. Bet he was as nervous as you!!!
Best Luck!!
__________________
"...don't say Home / the bones of that word mend slowly...' marie harris |
| Bluesday
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