Telephone interview

Telephone interviews are often used to screen candidates at the first stage. Often all recruiters look for is a calm, confident telephone manner and intelligent responses to questions. Telephone interviews are usually short - most last less than 30 minutes.

Lots of capable candidates fail at this stage because they are not prepared or not used to speaking in a professional manner over the phone. For many, the whole situation can feel unnatural and it can be difficult to build rapport with the interviewer. However telephone interviews should be less nerve wracking than face-to-face interviews and you do not have to worry about travel or dress.

Practice is useful, especially if you haven't worked in an office or used a telephone to talk to clients in previous jobs. If you can, try getting friends or family members to call you and ask interview questions. With practice comes confidence. Candidates who don't think they'll have any trouble with this style of assessment are often the ones that have difficulties.

Many candidates also find it tough to properly get into interview "mode" when talking to interviewers over the phone - but you need to be as professional and presentable as you would in a face to face situation from the moment your interviewer calls. Candidates who would never use colloquialisms in face to face interviews often use slang on the phone by accident without even realising, because they are so used to using the phone to talk to friends. You should never use slang in any kind of interview situation.

Although it may sound strange, putting on smart, interview style clothes before your scheduled telephone interview can help you to focus and get into a professional mindset. Find a quiet place (a study with a desk is best) to answer the phone and put yourself to work studying some relevant material on your company or industry before the scheduled call so that your mind is already focussed on work.

Last of all; make sure you smile when answering your phone. If you force yourself to smile, you physically become more relaxed and as a consequence your voice will sound more confident, friendly and assertive. If you do this, you will come across much better when speaking.

Summary

Telephone interview tips: Relax - it is easier than a face to face interview. Don't use slang or colloquiums. Try to sound confident and capable. Make sure you are polite throughout. Review company information before the interview to settle you into the right mindset. Practice counts - ask family or friends to call you and ask interview style questions.

Also see - General Interview Advice, Competency Interviews and Competency Questions.