Friday, September 12th, 2008
Telephone Interview Tips
Telephone based interviews are often used as a first level screening of candidates to short-list those suitable for a face to face interview. It’s not uncommon when prospective employees have to travel a long way, or when there are a large number of applicants for a role.
Telephone interviews are both good and bad, it’s easier to talk to an interviewer over the telephone for a lot of people, but it also gives you more chance to relax to much and for things to go wrong.
Initial interviews by telephone often tend to be HR led, they’re checking that you have the basic social interaction skills for a role, and that you are confidant and keen. These kind of interviews are very easy to pass, if you follow some of the tips below.
- Be organised, at the time you’ve been give for the call make sure you’re somewhere quiet and where you are free to talk. (Not answering, or asking them to call back isn’t going to look good!)
- Have a pen and paper to take notes. (See what I need below!)
- Be confident, answer and talk authoritatively.
- Do you homework - just like any interview, know what the employer is about, and what they are looking for.
- Don’t relax to much - it’s still an interview! It’s easy to slip into a very casual mode when dealing with a phone call.
Remember - all interviews are a two way process, have some relevant questions in mind and ask them!
What do I need?
It’s not obvious what is needed for a telephone interview - it’s not just a simple telephone call!
Get the following items ready in advance:
- Pen and Paper (to take notes, for anything you need to ask, the interviewers name etc)
- A copy of your CV. (You’ll remember it better if its in front of you.)
- A copy of the job advertisement if you have it.
- Any supporting information you need about the company, including copies of emails and letters you have been sent.
Again - make sure you’re somewhere quiet, where you will not be distracted - before the call is due!
More information