As more and more agencies get hundreds of applications for each open position, several agencies that call people before they invite them to an in-person interview is going to sustain to rise. Phone interviews make sure that agencies can rapidly narrow down the applicant pool without the hassle of meeting each individual candidate in person.

The Awkward Pauses During Phone Interview

Phone interviews are complicated for both applicants and HRs, as they are impersonal and normally a bit rushed. They are even harder for applicants when the employer is the kind of individual that likes to take pauses.

In person, you can read the reaction of the employer’s face or see what they are doing. But on the phone, there is often suddenly some awkward pauses, and it is not unusual to feel like you require saying something to break the awkwardness.

Tips to Do When There Are Various Awkward Pauses

There is no tricky answer, because the reason for the pauses might be different for each employer. Few may be writing things down. Others might be pausing because they are thinking of what to say next while others might be pausing on purpose to observe if you’ll explain further.

That said, there are few methods you can utilize to break down the tension.

• Inquire “Would you like me to elaborate?”

Some employers will always say “yes” even if that is not why they paused. But others will let you know the reason for the pauses. For instance, they might share “oh sorry, I am writing down your answer.” Even if they generally say “yes,” at least you’ve permission to keep talking and will perhaps feel less stressed.

• Neglect Awkward Noises, Unimportant Elaboration (and Keep Yourself Busy)

Do not try to fill in that period by whistling, clearing your throat, or making other sounds that are made to prevent the silence. You also should not describe on a long, great answer unless you’re inquired. It is unlikely that your elaboration will add to your possibilities of being hired. Rather, consider jotting down queries or thoughts yourself. This will take your mind off of the pauses, and will provide you precious notes to work from in future interviews.

• Ask a Good Query

Inquiring queries to the employer is a good way to fill silence and demonstrate you are interested. You shouldn’t do this with each pause, because if you do you’ll never give the employer a chance to finish. But breaking up some pauses with a good, smart query about the agency can make the pauses less stressful.

Pauses Likely Don’t Mean Anything

It can take employers more than ten seconds to evaluate the next query. It can take them as long as a minute to write down their answers. Few employers leave pauses in case you weren’t done, because they don’t need to interrupt you. With several potential reasons for pausing, you should not let the pauses cause you stress. Possibilities are they mean very little about your candidacy.