Telephone Interviews

A telephone interview may be carried out if an applicant lives a long way away from the offices of the company or as a screening process to eliminate weaker candidates before standard interviews are held. In either case, the candidate should aim to convert this opportunity into an invitation to a face to face interview. A telephone interview should never be treated as an easy option - it should be conducted in an equally professional manner as any other style of interview - the only difference is that body language no longer applies.

A screening interview may made without warning; however the interviewer should ask whether it is convenient to talk - if you are unprepared, politely ask if you could ring them back at a mutually agreeable time. You should take some time to think through what you will say, how you will say it and what you want the interviewer to remember.

Telephone Tips

• Remove any distractions: sit in a quiet room away from children and pets, switch off your mobile phone, doorbell and computer speakers.
• Do not drink, smoke or chew gum during the interview.
• Make a list of the parts of your CV you want to highlight and keep it close by.
• Speak clearly, taking care not to rush your words.
• Hold the receiver so that the mouthpiece is 5 cm from your lips.
• Try to relax; nervousness may come across in your voice as you speak.
• Smile as you speak and show enthusiasm; you will not have the advantage of demonstrating this through your body language.
• At the close of the interview, ask when it would be convenient to meet for a face to face interview.