Telephone Interview Skills and Advice

Telephone Job Interviews

Recruiters use Telephone Interviews to screen potential candidates. Top ten tips for good Telephone Interview Techniques - some useful preparation tips and advice.

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TELEPHONE INTERVIEW ADVICE

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Some Useful Advice

Telephone interviews play an important role in the candidate selection process. Winning CV has compiled a list of useful tips and advice. Successful candidates will prepare effectively, listen
carefully to 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

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Fully Prepare Like For FAce-To-Face Interviews

Prepare like for any other interview. Candidtaes must clearly understand their CV, job description and have good examples ready to impress recruiters.

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 any notes.
Use this as an advantage.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Create The Right Impression | Be Professional

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

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | 'Smile' Down The Phone | Be Confident

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 not be impressed by a dull 'monotone' voice.
Practice a telephone role play with someone if not feeling totally confident.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Create The Right Environment

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

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Be Clear, Concise and Confident With Answers

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

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | 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.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Take Extensive Notes

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

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | 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.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Closing The Call | Leaving A Positive Impression

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

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS | Follow-Up Measures

Ensure the names and contact details of the interviewer are documented in case of a need to contact them for anything. There is also no harm in a brief sending the recruiter a polite email re-affirming interest and suitablility for the role.