We've collated some of the best telephone interview questions and answers and tips to help you succeed in your telephone interview. You can provide comments and feedback on these telephone interview articles at the bottom of the page.
What is a Telephone Interview
There are two types of telephone interviews, scheduled and unscheduled. A telephone job interview may be scheduled with you at an agreed time and date for a couple of reasons:
· The employer or agency may be going through an initial screening process and
the first step is a telephone interview.
· It could be an interview with a company where one of the decision makers is
out-of-town and unable to meet you in person.
Unscheduled job interviews are typically a phone call to the number you have on your resume. If you are actively job searching you could receive a phone call at anytime. Generally, they are a result of your CV/Resume being posted on-line, mailing or delivering your resume to prospective employers or completing job applications. The purpose of the call is usually to check some details, confirm if you are still looking for work, or to schedule an appointment for an interview.
You will often receive these calls when you least expect them. You should be asked if it is convenient to talk and if it's an awkward time for you (for a really good reason), say so and while not ideal, agree to another time. Or, offer to call the person back at a time convenient for them. No matter how short the conversation is, always be friendly, professional and positive by saying that you are glad they called; you are very interested in the position/company and would be delighted to talk further.
Regardless of the reason for a telephone job interview you must be prepared and always treat this informal telephone conversation as part of the interview process. When actively job searching, it's a good idea to leave a notepad, pen and a copy of your resume easily accessible by the phone.
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What you should know and do before you take your telephone interview
1. The obvious first step is to get a copy of the job description. If you are applying for a particular type of role, it is useful to keep a "swipe file" of similar job descriptions which you can compare and contrast with the particular role you are going for. If you think the recruiter or company has not included something they should have, you can ask if that particular skill or area of expertise would be required. Psychologically that will often help you to take control of the interview, often with a very surprised interviewer! And will put you ahead of other candidates who have not researched as diligently.
2. Research to discover all you can about the organization, and particularly what has been written in the financial columns both about the company and it's competitors.
3. Keep a copy of your application letter next to the telephone. Your application letter should have both details of the company's requirements and how you match those requirements. This acts as a valuable aide memoire.
4. Also have a copy of your CV / resume ready as the interviewer may refer to various episodes in your career and you need to have the details readily to hand.
5. It goes without saying to have a notepad and pen at the ready.
6. Practice talking about your achievements and abilities. This makes it so much easier when someone asks a direct question. You will have got over the initial feeling of self consciousness by going over those things first.
7. Be specific about what you have achieved. Avoid the temptation to " waffle " when you don't know the answer. There is no shame in admitting that you do not know about something. Better to admit to it as the other candidates may be in just the same position.
8. Be aware that many interviewers want to know about your management style. Study the company culture by looking at their website, news articles etc. Use sites such as LinkedIn to find people who have worked at the company and ask them.
9. Professional presenters will tell you that it is a good idea to stand during a telephone interview. This makes you sound more confident and helps project a positive and professional image and that smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression. A client of mine who was in sales said that he used to watch videos of comedians on YouTube before speaking to people on the phone! He said it relaxed him and the inflection in his made his prospects relax
10. Make sure that other family members know you are expecting the phone interview and keep the line clear and away from the the area you are using so will not be disturbed during the phone call.
11. Lock all dogs in rooms where their barking cannot be heard!
More tips for your telephone interview
Here are some quick tips on how to be successful on a telephone job interview.
Be up front with the interviewer on the other end of the phone. You should try to start the interview with something like" I know not being able to see each other causes some challenges for this interview. If there is anything that I say that requires further clarification please feel free to let me know at any time." By doing this you are setting the tone of the conversation.
You should have your list of questions for the interviewer, resume and other information right in front of you. This is why phone interviews can have a tendency to be easier. It is almost the same thing as having an open book test. Any time a question is asked about the company or whatever you can refer to your info and naturally respond to the question.
This is something I learned during my sales career and also applies to a telephone interview, stand up during the call. You can obviously do this by using a cordless phone or headset. Do not use a cell phone. We all know that occasionally and usually at the worst times cell phone service disappears. When you walk around and are animated while on the phone your energy and exuberance goes through on the phone. Being vibrant and enthusiastic is something employers look for.
Asking questions during a phone interview is extremely important. By doing so you are making sure that the person on the other end is fully engaged in the conversation but you are also showing that you are too. Asking questions like "Have I properly understood the question and answered it fully?" and "Does that make sense?" show that you care about the persons time on the other end of the phone and do not want to get off track.
The most irritating thing and something that could definitely blow the telephone interview is interrupting the interviewer. Allow the potential employer to finish what they where saying and then respond. Also have a piece of paper and pen handy to take notes and remember any questions that come up while the interviewer is speaking. By doing so you will not forget important points and can let the person complete speaking.
Finally dress for success even though it is a telephone interview. I know it sound silly but by dressing for the interview you will do better because you will be in the right mind set. You will come through on the phone a lot different dressed in a suit then if you are in your pajamas.