How To Ace A Telephone Interview

It is becoming common place for companies to pre-screen candidates through a telephone interview before they are invited to a face-to-face meeting.  

A telephone interview’s main purpose is to reassure the employer that they have potentially selected the right person for the job. This type of interview can also help save time for both employers and candidates.

If you have a telephone interview coming up soon, read our 5 tips below on how you can ace it...

1) Be Prepared To Take The Call
If you have been offered a telephone interview, hopefully you have been given a specific time and date when it will take place. Use this knowledge to your advantage; ensure that your phone has plenty of battery and that you can take the call in a quiet place without any interruptions. Sometimes, telephone interviews may come as a total surprise. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to rearrange the interview at a more convenient time, which suits both parties.

2) Do Your Research
Like any other interview, it is essential to do your research about a prospective employer, the job role and to map out your answers to common interview questions. The advantage of having a telephone interview first is you should be able to sit with the information in front of you. We recommend that you keep a copy of your CV close by, just in case the interviewer questions your work history.

3) Speak Clearly
Unlike a face-to-face interview, during a telephone interview you are unable to convey any visual communications to the interviewer. During the call, try not to let nerves get the better of you and speak as clearly as possible. Also try to smile when you speak, this will convey a positive and engaged attitude to the person on the other end of the phone.  

4) Remember To Listen
Being able to listen effectively during the phone call can only increase your chances of having a successful telephone interview. If you can, try to make notes when the interviewer is speaking so you can address any questions as best as you can.

5) Always Follow Up
Once a telephone interview is over, send a follow up email a couple of hours later. Remember to thank the interviewer for their time, demonstrate your interest in the role and to mention that you are looking forward to hearing from them again.

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