Secret Telephone Interview Tips

Phone interviews are becoming increasingly popular asWhat to do during the phone interview:
a means of narrowing down candidates for a more- Remember to Smile. Experts say that smiling puts
traditional face to face interview. In the ultrayou in a better state of mind and will project a positive
competitive society we now live, a job advertisementimage to the listener
can attract hundreds of resumes from candidates with- Speak in a steady voice.  Don’t rush what
similar set of skills and backgrounds. The recruitmentyou’re trying to say. Ensure that you sound
process is all about finding the one perfect candidateenthusiastic and passionate.
among the basket full of candidates.  The phone- Don’t forget to breathe. It will help you stay calm
interview has become a popular, flexible, inexpensiveand sound more relaxed.
and speedy way of finding that one person.- LISTEN – Answer the questions which are being
Anna Press, a former recruitment agent with over 10asked. Do not make the mistake of telling the
years experience in conducting telephone interviewsinterviewer what you want to tell them. Give them the
shares her experiences below:answers to their questions.
Preparing for a PHONE INTERVIEW- Keep a glass of water handy – Nothing is worse
 Before you begin your phone interview make surethan having a dry mouth
that you are confident in your understanding of the- Address the interviewer in the appropriate way. Do
position you are applying for and the company you arenot shorten people’s name. They are your potential
applying with. Do extra homework on theemployer not your “mate”
company’s history and research recent company- Take your time – Don’t rush the interview. This
news. Preparation is the key and will make a greatis your time to shine.  If your feeling nervous take a
impression on your interviewers.moment or two to collect your thoughts
Prepare your Interview location. Make sure you’re- “Cheat Notes” Prepare beforehand with notes
in a comfortable place with no distractions. Keep yourto help drive you through the interview. If the interview
resume in clear view, have a pen and pad to takeis going to be technical than have notes ready to
notes and a glass of water sitting close by. Minimiseprompt yourself if needed
any outside distractions that could potentially take your- Don’t forget to ask questions.  
mind off the interview (HOT TIP: Disable call waiting onWhat NOT to do during the interview:
your phone). Dress the part so you feel and sound- Don’t eat, drink, chew gum
professional. The more professional you feel the more- DO NOT SMOKE
professional you will come across on the telephone.- Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Most importantly – Practice Interviewing. Rehearse- Don’t answer with just a “yes” and
and Practice.  There are many ways to help you“no”- elaborate your answers, provide examples
prepare for the telephone interview.  Have a friend/if applicable
family member conduct an interview.  Ideally, rehearse- Don’t be too Casual/informal
with someone from the same industry. The best way- Long winded answers to questions
to hear how you sound is to tape yourself. RememberConclusion:
the more preparation you put into the interview the The only way to master a phone interview is to
better prepared you will be.practice, be professional, and show your passion for
Preparation is the key! Write down answers tothe job role. Remember you have made the phone
questions you believe are going to be asked. Haveinterview stage so don’t blow your interview by not
questions ready to go so when the interviewer saysbeing ready.
“Do you have any questions to ask us”Good luck!
you’re ready and prepared.