Phone interview approach?

Phone interview approach?

To avoid time interviewing the wrong candidates, some employers choose to speak and judge candidates over the phone before inviting them in for a more in-depth interview.

Of course this is normal practice, it not only saves time but costs also and its a way of understanding how a candidate would come across to one of your clients before investing time in a one-two-one meeting.

As always, it’s so important to prepare as you would any employee interview with a clear understanding of your achievements, successes, challenges and strengths. An employer will buy-in to you more if you really understand why you are applying for their job etc.

How to prepare

If you don’t have experience of telephone interviews, use a friend or even the management recruitment consultancy to set up a mock interview, after all it’s in their interest that you secure the role.

Request that they call you (out of the blue) with a selection of real interview questions so you can practice your answers and get feedback from them on your performance – in real time, when your not expecting it, great practice!

Establish the names of the people you will be speaking to, their job titles and any other information you can get hold of – pop these details into Google, you’ll be amazed as to what you can discover. Type out any questions you have, or notes you have made. You may be nervous and these will be useful when you are suddenly asked to say something. As interviewer will only be impressed that you have prepared accordingly!

A good management recruitment consultancy will have briefed and de-briefed many candidates before; they may have a number of interesting tips and/or freely available documentation to assist in your preparation. They may know the employer better than you thing, use this knowledge to your advantage – find out where the interviewer is from, what business they worked in before, if their a football fan etc.

Always have your CV, cover letter and any supporting materials laid out in front of you. Searching for them whilst an interviewer is waiting on the telephone is going to distract you from what they are saying.

Its always a good idea to find out as much information as you can to the background of the interviewer – Google & Linkedin or even a new one called; http://www.pipl.com/ are always good sources.

Also, keep a notepad or diary handy (and a pen that works) so you can keep a note of key points, such as contact details and dates for the next round of interviews. Make a note of holidays you have planned, and any dates when you may not be available for a second interview.

Staying focused
Speaking on the phone doesn't come naturally to everyone, many people use the phone to converse with friends, not necessarily for business purposes. Try to answer clearly without sounding too ‘chatty'.

It's actually possible to hear when people are smiling so try to remain positive throughout your time on the phone – like you are genuinely excited to be given the opportunity to talk to the interviewer.

A telephone interview need not be a tense time, but it is a formal interview.

Callers can often detect whether you are really listening to them so cut out the distractions and go somewhere you can concentrate. I.e; turn off the TV and Let family or friends know not to disturb you during the allotted time.

If you're taking the call during office hours – try and find a local park or other quiet area. The last thing you want is for your current boss to hear you touting yourself to other employers.

If you're at home, remember that your voice, and the way you sound, is affected by your posture; whether you are slumped in an armchair or sitting upright at a desk.

It's a good idea to dress in your work clothes and imagine you are actually sitting in front of somebody – this will make you feel more business-like than sitting in your nightgown or tracksuit.

Follow these tips and your caller will have been given exactly what they want, a responsive and positive candidate and someone who is worth inviting in for a face to face interview.

Should you have any open questions, were one call away;

Regards,

Colin Tovey
Managing Director
ACT Management Solutions

T +44 (0) 844 351 0432

+44 (0) 844 351 0432

+44 (0) 844 351 0432

+44 (0) 844 351 0432 +44

(0) 844 351 0432

F +44 (0) 844 357 6632

E colin@act-ms.com
W http://www.act-ms.com/