A telephone interview is a pre-scheduled job interview. Popular with recruitment agencies and employers alike; they save time and help to keep interview costs down. However, telephone interviews do have their challenges. In most cases, you will be answering questions under a strict time limit and this can increase nerves. Not being able to see the interviewer also presents its own difficulties, as you’re unable to make a connection.
How to prepare
Just like in any other interview scenario, you need to research the industry, organisation and job role. Visit the company website, competitor sites and read relevant news articles. Do this in advance, so you are well prepared. You can also plan your responses to frequently asked questions by preparing a list of examples of when and how you’ve demonstrated each skill or quality listed in the person specification.
A confident phone manner doesn’t come naturally to all and some candidates may feel uncomfortable talking over the phone. To increase your confidence when talking over the phone, ask family or friends to call you for a mock interview. Use your research and planned responses to answer their questions and treat this practise as the real thing.
Telephone interview questions
When answering the call, you need to be professional and positive. If you’ve pre-arranged an interview time, make sure you are ready when the phone rings. Answer with ‘Good morning/good afternoon, (your name) speaking, and maintain this professional tone throughout the interview.
When answering questions, be aware of the pace of your speech. Time is limited but don’t rush or mumble, despite your nerves. Your responses need to demonstrate your knowledge of, and enthusiasm for the role.
One of the main challenges to telephone interviews is that without visual clues from the interviewer, it can be hard to gauge how you are doing. In a face-to-face interview, you’re able to take direction from the employer’s body language and visual responses, but this is not possible over the phone. When you’re being interviewed in person, you are also able to smile and show the interviewer that you’re engaged. Make sure you smile during your telephone interview; it really does come across!
Make sure you read Part Two next week!
