Being prepared is critical to satisfactorily completing the interviewWhile preparing for a phone interview, the first and most important to remember is that the consulting case interview preparation should be no different to that of a normal face-to-face interview. Being prepared is critical to satisfactorily completing the interview. Included are a few key tips to improve and guide your preparation.
Preceding To The Phone Interview
Make the time to confirm as much as information as possible, this includes how long the interview will take, it helps to have your diary clear for a reasonable amount of time before and after the interview. This will ensure you are calm, relaxed and focused on the task at hand. Take the time to get to know the firm, their visions, values and overall achievements. Keep in mind that although the case interview is done via a telephone, it does not make it any less formal than the traditional face-to-face interview. Be professional at all times, ensure you are in an isolated environment without any intrusions and always be professional.
Practice Your Communication Skills
Take the time to practice and enhance your verbal skills. These skills will play a vital role in the phone interview. Practice maintaining your communication and pronunciation skills clear and at the appropriate volume.
It is equally significant to remember your body language plays a vital role in a telephone conversation and although not visible, represents a key role in how the message is communicated to the receiver. Sitting slouched or leaning on an elbow will alter your breathing which affects the way you express words. Take some time before your call to allow for vocal and breathing exercises.
Listen carefully and ask questions if you are unclear.
This same applies to your confidence. Nervousness will transfer into your voice and would come across through stumbling across words, losing your trail of thought or simply not hearing the questions correctly. Maintain a calm, even voice keep your words paced and clearly pronounced.
Be Prepared
Be ready and acknowledge the call promptly. Always be professional and start the call with a practiced tone and greeting. Avoid informal greetings like “hello”. Have all the information required close and clearly marked. Do not spend time shuffling through pages. It helps to keep notes labeled and key points highlighted for instant access.
Remember to:
- Stays focused and understand what is being asked. Ask questions to ensure you understand the question. Asking the right question will enable you to determine the core issues of the case. Always understand the key question before starting your case. Make recommendations which can be supported by data.
- Make time to prepare. Practice is essential to developing your skills.
- Practice framework and structure. This is vital to the of the case interview. The structure should always be case driven.
- Practice case interviews. Make time to schedule a routine practice with friends or family. You can also seek out the services of a consulting coach to help guide your preparation.
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