Phone call interview- Self Introduction

peachpurple Level 1

December 30, 2017, 12:40 pm

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Phone call interview- Self Introduction

I need some help. I will be having a phone call interview soon. What should I say if the interview asked for my self introduction or "tell me about yourself". Please advice. I had searched online for sample answers but most are "high class". I am applying for the post of Admin Assistant.

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NERLJ

NERLJ

This is always difficult. I would advise making a list of aspects of your life and characteristics you possess then choosing items from the list most applicable to the job type and interview. Practice beforehand to avoid rambling. It is very important to sound professional and organized instead of absent minded. Do not use phrases or utterances such as "um," "like," "well," or any other placeholders to cover the lack of having an appropriate response. It does not work and the person conducting the interview will notice the lack of preparation and inability to answer questions. Practice with a partner and repeat the exercise until you can say everything you feel is relevant without hesitation. Speak with confidence and do your best to sound as though you are not nervous, even if you are.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Practice is definitely going to help in making confidence high in the interview but one shouldn't rule off things not going as one planned because they certainly do, nothing is guaranteed not even life as well. But getting your points well studied is definitely going to help but don't expect the interview to follow one particular pattern, plan for anything to happen so that you won't have to taken unawares. This is what I have to add here.

7 years ago

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NERLJ

NERLJ

Thank you for replying and your addition of being prepared for a different approach. You are right, there is no way to plan for everything.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

I had practiced talking to myself as I read and memorize the answers.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

NERLJ
Thanks very much for your advice. I really need to cut down on the stammering, that shows lack of confidence. My teen told me to relax myself, don't feel pressure, answer naturally and truthfully.

7 years ago

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Soulwatcher

Soulwatcher

The best answer that I can give you is to be confident and know what you're talking about and have a positive attitude and most of all be honest. Because the simple fact is if you're getting a phone interview they probably have already checked all your references.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Soulwatcher confidence is the key to getting anything and everything done well in this life, and so it's with intervention like this. Although it's not something commonly used but it's almost the same thing with physical interviews.

I would even consider phone calls interviews more comfortable because of lack of face to face pressure that comes with personal direct interviews. What do you think?

7 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

That's also true. If you're getting an interview over the phone they will definitely do a background check on you and your information so they will have a rough idea. And I agree, try to be confident and calm yourself prior to the interview.

At least you can do the interview from the comfort of your home that's really lucky. I remember I always had to go there in person and that added the stress.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I agree. They really are most likely trying to find someone who is confident in their own skills enough to be honest and direct, and probably just having that conversation is what they do to try and figure this out. More likely if you are getting a phone interview you are already a good candidate for them so it's best not to worry too much and just be honest.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Thanks, I jot down the questions and memorize the answers by heart. Get cold hands and feet while waiting for the phone call

7 years ago

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Steve5

Steve5

Great advice. Phone interviews can also be revealing of your character and personality. That's why you have to be sure you're speaking from experience. Don't try to pretend about anything they ask you. They'll know based on how speak.

7 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

I agree with this. If you already landed the interview then odds are that your foot is at least somewhat in the door. Confidence is key, because no one is going to want to hire someone that sounds insecure about what they're talking about. Even if you aren't entirely sure--as the old saying goes--fake it 'till you make it. But that also doesn't mean lying about yourself. Be honest about who you are and how much you know, but also be confident in that.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I think the best answer you could give is to share an example of how you can be an asset to the company. If they ask you to tell them about yourself, what they probably are really asking is that what value do you think you have that will make you valuable to their company. Try and share some traits of yours that are positive and back them up with some experiences where you are able to prove that those skills are helpful and hopefully this can help you convince them to hire you.

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

mildredtabitha

I have also learned something useful from your response. I never thought of it like that. I was thinking it could mean mentioning some personal traits including negative ones. But saying how you will add value to the company is the ideal answer.

7 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

Yes, I think this is the downfall of many aspiring employees but also business people looking for investors. They mostly just pitch what they are instead of speaking about the value they can add to the people who they are talking to which is what they mostly are looking for. Most of the time they fail to get the deal because they don't realize that they are just revealing that the company would need to put out more resources just to train them further instead of actually just coming in and blending in seamlessly without much more effort needed.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@Baburra I think I mentioned this before, it's important to find a way to link your experience with working and what you can offer to the company about hiring. Lately, most companies don't want to hire anyone without experience, so therefore if you can find a way to discuss about your work experience cropped in telling about yourself, it's going to be a great asset for you.

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

mildredtabitha

I have never heard of a phone call interview before but it seems to be easier than a face to face interview. They will just hear your voice and the sound of you breathing.

My advice will be to relax and not delay picking the call. Learn some phone call etiquettes and have some papers that you can refer to when answering questions.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Dear mildredtabitha
Thank you for your advice, I am still nervous about the phone interview because this is my first phone interview I ever had. Furthermore I had been housewife for 10 years, I am kind of obsolete.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@peachpurple Don't be nervous, it's not going to help you one bit, but rather it will throw you off balance. I understand it's your first ever phone call interview, but if you have been to physical personal direct interviews, it's practically almost the same thing, the only thing different in this one is that you get to hide behind the phone doing the interview which is a good thing if you are the shy type or an introvert.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

@mildredtabitha your point about learning phone call etiquettes is very important. Some people don't actually know how to respond to calls when they pick up. I have experiences one time I called someone to inquire about something. The girl just picked and the first thing I heard was who are you? I was bugged to the stomach and dropped the call. But under normal circumstances, her respikr should be, Good day, this is "her name" on the line, who am I speaking with?

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

Well, my advice is to first try and keep calm because panicking even before the interview won't help you one bit, rather it will leave distracted and unfocused. Try and keep your answers simple when responding, talking too much about yourself or trying to be too comprehensive might throw you off point and you will be left trying to piece your mind back together and in such occasions you will lose confidence. Just try with origin background, educational achievement, some of your work experience and your hobby. I wish you luck.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

Keeping your answers simple can be a good way to show those doing the interview an idea on how straight you're to the point. Awesome point to take home.

7 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

Agree. I've had that experience twice and I was terrified. However, I noticed the interviewer was asking very specific questions, and he wanted short and simple answers. Usually, you're not the only phone interview he will be doing, so he can't spend 2 hours on the phone. Try to have some possible questions/answers near you, and take notes on what you're answering too, they can call you again depending on what you just said, and you really want to remember about it.

7 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

Yeah, employers love when people go straight to the point since it also signals that the person is prepared for the question and is not stalling by beating around the bush. Keep it simple and just answer the question.

7 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

Well, look at it from the positive angle - phone interviews are actually considered to be easier than face-to-face because the interviewer can't actually see your posture, mimic, gestures and so on. Be happy about that.

But I can understand that you're nervous, anybody would be. Try and turn those nerves into confidence though and just sort of prepare ahead what you want to say. Think about the things you're proud of achieving... don't talk too much about things that he/she doesn't seem interested in. You can easily tell by his/her response and tone of voice.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

Having a strong voice while on the phone can be a plus and a way to overcome being nervous too. It's not easy to discern what is happening, but such gesture will send a signal that you're full of life.

7 years ago

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DenisP

DenisP

"…phone interviews are actually considered to be easier than face-to-face because the interviewer can't actually see your posture, mimic, gestures and so on."

Personally, I actually consider this to be a drawback of phone interviews. I've said it before in this forum, but I'm somewhat of a socially awkward/anxious person. It isn't debilitating by any means, but enough to be noticeable and a possible hindrance. I rely a lot on body language, both on the part of the interviewer and in my myself. I can react better to the interviewer based on their appearance, and I can give off a more confident vibe by shifting my own body language. All of this is lost during a phone interview, so I end up feeling like I've lost an advantage.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

Oh man! I hate the dreaded interview, and I definitely can't stand the old phone interview! Still, I think, like Tronia said above, that there are some ways in which this interview is easier than a face-to-face. You want to exhibit your personality and demonstrate that you are a "good fit" for the team who will be working with you. You need to be yourself, and they know you will be nervous, so remember that. Make a narrative about yourself which fits the position--there is a reason why you have this job in front of you--your honest experiences led you there, so just present that narrative in a way that shows how you are passionate about the position being offered.

7 years ago

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Barida

Barida

I agree with you that analyzing oneself it fit into the profile of what the job is can be a good way to sell off. It's not easy at the beginning, but it gets better as the call continues.

7 years ago

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iamawriter

iamawriter

Just be yourself and tell the truth. Write down what you want to say and keep reciting in preparation for the interview. They will also ask questions. Be prepared for them. Wish you the best in your interview.

7 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

That is one thing that is hard to do, I think--anticipate the questions they will ask. That being said, though, be yourself and telling the truth goes a long way. I think a lot of interviewers, especially if they are experienced administrators and have done interviews before, can tell when you are being inauthentic anyway. In other words, it is best to tell the truth in interviews because the truth will eventually come out one way or another.

7 years ago

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Corzhens

Corzhens

I agree in being yourself because it is difficult to try hard in the interview. Yeah, prepare what you know about the job and the company plus all the things about yourself. To be honest, I don't think I can pass a phone interview because it doesn't look natural to me and my feeling is somewhat alien to the phone. I am used to having an interview personally that I can see the face of the interviewer and I can establish rapport with my eyes.

7 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

It always helps to prepare for any question that may be asked of you, so that you won't really be as surprised with whatever question they may have since you already practiced your answer for it.

6 years ago

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Adesuwa08

Adesuwa08

Since it's a phone interview it is very simple, you have to keep every details about yourself in your head or on paper close by (but be prepared anyways), be humble too and answer them with enough confidence. If ask prove to them the reason why you are perfect for the job, anything can happen in a phone interview also keep it honest and be yourself. I guess that's all it's not as difficult as you see it.

7 years ago

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jaymish3

jaymish3

Phone interviews are becoming more common especially as a first interview. You never found anything on Google? The last time I checked there is a lot on this specific question. Basically give brief details on what is in your CV. Explain personal information, academic background, work experience e.t,c. The person interviewing you is generally asking about you. Be sure to highlight the points that are relevant to Admin Assistant. Your explanation does not have to perfect, if the person needs clarification they will ask a question.Look at the job description and highight the qualities you have, that will match it, even if it's no from previous admin experience.

7 years ago

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mar06

mar06

Don't get to be nervous because that's just only a phone interview. You just listen to the phone unlike in personal. Take it east and just answer true information and details about yours. Just relax, you can definitely do that.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I agree just relax and don't be nervous, you should be confident sounding and just listen to what the interviewer is saying, then when he asks a question you should answer casually and directly .

7 years ago

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