Expect your CA Online Speech Therapist Interview to be Over the Phone
Your California online speech therapist phone interview can either be scheduled or unscheduled. Just know that your phone could ring at any time. Be sure you answer it yourself, and if not that your voicemail message sounds professional.
Unfortunately, unscheduled calls invariably work against you. If you have been caught by surprise, schedule an alternative time to talk. You can’t be blamed for saying, “Wonderful to hear from you. I apologize, but I’m not available at the moment, and couldn’t give the attention this call deserves. When would be a convenient time to call you back?”
Before The Interview
Find a quiet, comfortable, and private space; free of distractions (young children or pets), enabling you to focus on the meeting. Don’t kid yourself. Phone interviews can be stressful, so put yourself at ease. Have a glass of water handy, and be ready early, so you’ll feel relaxed.
If you talk on a landline, then turn off your cell phone. On the other hand, if the call will be on a cell phone, assure it is fully charged. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes. Try to avoid using your computer–the clicking of the keyboard may distract your interviewer.
The Interview
Prepare
Make your resume handy. Also, compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses together with a list of answers to typical questions you will be asked in your California online speech therapy interview. Endeavor to match your qualifications to the job description. Matching these show that you are the candidate for whom they pine.
Don’t forget to research the company thoroughly. You will be asked what you know. Revealing your ignorance of the company’s key figures, strategy and markets may spell a quick end to the interview. Alternatively, prepare your questions. These can make or break an interview. Aside from soliciting the information you need, your curiosity and insight accentuate your value.
Practice
For many, speaking on the phone isn’t as easy as it may seem. The value of practice goes beyond rehearsing answers to common interview questions. It will also help you to realize if you are not enunciating clearly, are speaking too slowly or too quickly, or if you have a lot of verbal ticks.
Perform
First Listen
Expect the interviewer to set the stage by talking about expectations, why your predecessor left, and what it will take to be successful working for this company. You would be doing yourself a favor to take notes and refer to the key points when you have the opportunity to talk.
Experts assert that a successful interview often boils down to finding common ground. Try to connect with comments like, “That sounds quite familiar,” or “We had a situation just like that at my previous company. Let me explain what I did that produced the result we were looking for.” Be sure to listen carefully to the interviewer and don’t speak until she finishes the question.
Then Talk
Whereas being in the presence of another allows for visual cues, on the phone you only have your voice. Drink as much water as you need to avoid having to clear your throat. Also, maintain healthy posture by either standing or sitting up very straight since this also has an impact on your voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Address the interviewer by her title and only use her first name if invited to do so. Take your time —don’t worry if you need a few seconds to think of how you will articulate a response. At the same time, don’t let the silence linger for too long. If you aren’t crystal clear about the question, ask for it be repeated.
Always Smile
Make sure that there is a smile on your face as you speak. Should you question whether or not this makes a difference, try this simple test. Record two voice messages that are identical: first without the smile and then with a smile. Then, hear it for yourself. Be especially cognizant of smiling when talking about your work, asking questions, or expressing enthusiasm about the company.
Epilogue: After The Interview
End the call on a positive note, recapping what impressed you about the company and how you see yourself fitting in and becoming an asset. Don’t forget that your objective is to land a face-to-face interview. After thanking the interviewer, request that meeting. Finish with “I am very interested in this position and would be grateful to meet you in person. What’s the next step?”
Soon after your California online speech therapy interview call (not immediately, but by the end of the work day), follow up with a very short thank you note that reiterates your interest in the position. Don’t expect a reply. After that, follow up two more times, once a week later and then again after two weeks. That’s it.
After three weeks, write the last reminder mentioning that “I was happy to speak with you on [date]. This is my third message, and I will no longer bother you. I am still interested in the job and would be delighted to make your acquaintance soon.” After that, it’s up to them.
