TELEPHONE INTERVIEW TIPS
Sometimes an employer will conduct an initial telephone interview as a way to whittle down a number of candidates to a much smaller shortlist. It is also a good way of testing your communication and telephone techniques, so it’s still important that you prepare well for a telephone interview.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you've done your homework look at their website, twitter and Facebook accounts. Also, take a look at the latest developments in their industry so you can converse with confidence.
PREPARE YOUR CALL ZONE
This is key to a successful telephone interview. Pick a place that’s free of much background noise and has good signal. It’s also not recommended that you sneak off during your lunch break at work unless you’re able to get to a quiet away from your building, otherwise you might be overheard. A quiet room at home away from noisy children or pets would be a perfect choice.
GET YOUR TIMING RIGHT
If you agree to a time, you should stick to that. If you know you’re going to be able to answer your phone due to work commitments, then let them know as soon as possible that you need to reschedule. You don’t want your first point of contact with a prospective employer to be your voicemail message, that doesn’t leave the best impression. On the subject, you should change your answer message if it’s a funny or joke message, just incase they do go through to voicemail.
LOOK THE PART
This sounds a bit strange, but it makes sense. The temptation is to keep your pyjamas on while you lay on your bed because you don’t need to make an effort. This is far from the case, if you dress casually, you’ll probably sound casual, not what you’re aiming for. You don’t need to fully suit up but wear professional clothes and you’re more likely to come across well on the phone and stand instead of sitting or lying on a bed.
STAND UP AND WALK AROUND
Again, this might sound a bit odd, but standing will naturally make you talk more naturally and confidentially, and it tends to give people more energy in their voice. Walking around always you to move and gesture your hands in a natural way which you should find should help you to speak more confidently and clearly.
CHARGE YOUR PHONE
The majority of people will be using their mobile to take the call, which is perfectly acceptable, but be sure to keep it fully charged before the interview. There would be nothing worse than the phone cutting out as it runs out of juice mid-interview, then you’re unable to recall them. It might also suggest to the interviewer that you haven’t prepared yourself.
ANSWERING THE PHONE
Answer the phone professionally with something like “Good morning / afternoon, Tom / Sarah speaking.” Smile when you talk, as this naturally ensures that you sound enthusiastic. Stand up if possible, as this will make you feel more assertive - but never pace about.
ASK QUESTIONS
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.
