Business Analyst Phone Interview Skills
A person who enjoys new and ever-changing challenges and has IT skills might think about a job as a business systems analyst. To get this type of job, you will need a university degree that concentrates on information technology, along with math, economics, accounting, etc. A master's degree is usually a requirement for a truly successful and lucrative career.
Careers in the business analyst market might lead to exotic trips and a lucrative salary. Starting out, a business analyst could earn $75,000, depending on where you are working. The opportunity to earn more with each year of experience you have is a really amazing, especially in the business world. Shy or retiring people need not apply, because no matter how much you learn in school, new employees have a steep learning curve once they start working.
Obviously, a career as a business analyst doesn't begin until one is actually hired for a job, which makes application and interview preparation essential. Currently, many companies are conducting preliminary telephone interviews of candidates as a way of weeding out the applicant field before making invitations to the live interview.
It is important to prepare for the telephone interview as much as you would for any other one. Normally, these are done at your home number or via a cellular phone, so taking the calls at your current job should not be an issue. You should indicate work hours in your cover letter and be clear about when you are available. Don't assume you could fit the call into a break because they often last 30 minutes and more.
It's better to use a land-linked phone so that you won't experience connection problems; however, if you use a cell phone, make sure you've got optimum reception before starting your call. Find a room where you can be alone and talk undistracted. If your phone has call waiting, ask if the interviewer will let you call back to disable it. A good rule of thumb is to behave as you would during a face-to-face interview. Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum, and similar pursuits are definite no-nos during the call.
Prepare yourself in advance for the interview. Practice answering questions that are commonly asked. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your short and long term career goals? What makes you a better choice for this position than anyone else? Tell us about your accomplishments which have prepared you for this job. Have pen and paper available so that you can jot down questions during the interview. Be logged onto the company website. And refer to your resume to make sure that you say the same thing it says!
Keep your answers short, and enunciate your words carefully. When others can only hear your voice, they cannot pick up on your body language, but smile when you're talking to add a positive tone to your speech. Many people believe you should stay focused by standing up during the interview. You may be asked to elaborate on some of your answers, so make certain that you can. One telephone call can make or break your career as a business analyst.
About the Author: Samantha Lorry is a Business Analyst with a budding interest in article writing. For more information on business analyst jobs, see Business-Analyst-Career.com - Or check out this Woman-owned IT Staffing company and BA Jobs
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