Tips For A Successful Telephone Interview

I once got a call from a company, where I had applied quite some time ago. At that time, I was unaware that the employer might also do an interview on the telephone, and I took the call lightly.

Fortunately, I was able to impress the interviewee, but I could have done better if I had known earlier.

Many employers do telephone interviews to screen the best candidates. It is also done when it is not possible to invite an out-of-area candidate to the office.

Telephone interviews can be quite challenging as you cannot see the interviewer’s non-verbal reactions and cues. On the other hand, the interviewer cannot see your expressions or professional appearance as well.

Thus basically, the criteria for the interviewee to decide would be your phone manners, clarity of speech, voice tone and the content of your answers.

Here are some tips for making sure that your telephone interview goes fine:

• Give the interview on phone in the same way as you would give face-to-face.
• Choose a quiet, private room with a telephone that is in good working condition.
• Talk to a friend to gain feedback on your voice quality and speech.
• Prepare some talking points for the call, before the interview, including answers to some important questions.
• Make sure you have the following readily available: your resume, cover letter, copy of application if you submitted one, highlights of corporate information and brief talking points.
• Breathe deeply and relax. Speak slowly, clearly and with purpose.
• Smile, as it can be felt in your speech as well.
• Write down the full names and titles of each call participant.
• Take notes when appropriate.
• Be polite and try not to interrupt the interviewer. If you do, apologize and let the interviewer continue.

• If any question or comment comes to your mind, while the interviewer is speaking, jot a note on your talking points list, so you remember it later.
• Offer to provide additional information or answer other questions.
• Do not hang up until the interviewer has hung up.
• Promptly send a formal follow-up / thank you letter, just as you would for a face-to-face interview.

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