TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS - SOME USEEFUL ADVICE

Winning CV recognises the importance of telephone interviews and has compiled a list of useful tips and advice.  Successful candidates will prepare effectively, listen carefully to the questions and act in a professional manner throughout.

Telephone interviews are an effective way of screening prospective candidates and can be used to speed up the recruitment process. Interview durations can last anything from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the role in question.

                                                                                                                                 

TOP 10 TELEPHONE INTERVIEW TIPS

1) Full preparation as with face-to-face interviews

Prepare like for any other interview.  Those who know their CVs and understand how they best
match the job description / job role will certainly be ahead of the competition.

Prior to the interview, research the company and its culture - this can reveal things about the employer.

Have clearly structured answers written down - the interviewer cannot see that you have got notes
in front of you.  Use this to your advantage.

2) Creating the right impression - Conduct and mannerisms

Experienced interviewers will assess a candidate's telephone manner. Telephone manner gives an important impression of how candidates are likely to deal with people in a business role.
Be polite and professional at all times.

3) 'Smile' down the phone - it is infectious

People smile when in a confident and relaxed mood.  Be positive and project self-confidence to
make the conversation more upbeat - effectively 'smile' down the phone. 

An interviewer will be less impressed by a dull 'monotone' voice.  
Practice a telephone role play with someone if you are not feeling totally confident.

4) Creating the right environment

A telephone interview should take place in a quiet place so no disturbances can occur on the call.
Ideally, sit in a comfortable chair and at a desk so notes can be taken easily.

5) Be clear, concise and confident with answers

Listen carefully to the questions before giving clear, concise and confident answers.
Creating the right impression & impact is more important because there is no face-to-face interaction.

6) Dealing with silences and pauses

Interviewers will expect pauses and silences whilst candidates are considering their answers.
Be polite and ask for a few seconds to consider your thoughts before giving answers.
Avoid making unnecessary 'thinking' noises down the phone.

7) Take extensive notes

Write down important notes because any information gleaned can be useful at subsequent interview stages.  Notes can be used as pointers about company expectations, business activities or the type of person they are looking for to be successful in the role.

8) Prepare effective questions to ask

There will be an opportunity to ask questions so ask at least three good interview questions. 
Certainly ask about the role, interview next steps and possibly something about the company.

9) Closing the call & leaving a positive impression

Thank the recruiter for showing an interest in you and reiterate your interest in the role. 
Politely ask if they mind being contacted if there are further queries or questions outstanding.

10) Follow-up measures

Make sure you have the name and contact details of the interviewer just in case there is a need to contact them for anything.  If you have the name and email address of the caller, there is no harm in a brief sending them a polite email re-affirming interest and why you would be suitable for the role

                                               

           

Telephone interview techniques - Ten top tips to increase chances of success!