How to prepare for a telephone interview?

As companies are facing more challenges in finding the right candidates for their roles, the savviest have made a conscience effort to move through the interview process and identify the best people quickly.  A recent trend in 2015 we have noticed is that there are more initial telephone screenings before a face-to-face meeting and an offer - great for you the candidate!  You are now able to commit to finding a new role without having to give the game away with half days off here and there…but only if you are prepared.

The indication of a telephone interview can leave candidates feeling that they do not have to prepare as much, it will be a “just a chat” or “very informal”; however make no mistake these are key to the hiring process and as such preparation will be required – sometimes a lot more so than if it were a face-to-face meeting – with much more emphasis on the content and how you're communicating.

On this, I have outlined some pitfalls to avoid and tips that may help you get ‘through the door’ and show the hiring manager how great you are for the role.

• Make sure your phone is switched on, in a good signal area and charged – stating the obvious here but it has happened before believe me!

• Go to a quiet place with no distractions.  You want to be able to hear your interviewer or multiple interviewers on the call and ensure you have a chance to think about your answer.  Don’t sneak into a room at work where you have the chance of been interrupted or in the car beside a busy road - it will be impossible to be at your best

• Have your most up to date CV in front of you – the interviewer WILL refer to this

• Have a Pen and paper with you to make notes - both for this interview and to prepare to the face-to-face interview that may follow

• Think about the question you've been asked before giving your response - silence on a telephone call can be awkward but don’t fill it with ramblings just to say something.

Some standard questions that you will face and you need to prepare for are:

• What do you know about the company?

• What do you know about the role?

• Why are you interested in the role?

The questions are simple and have been the same for 50 years, however there are still candidates who lose out on that dream job/company because they have not thought about these or have even thought that they will look into this after the phone call and by then though it’s too late!

Overall, ensure you are prepared for telephone interview, treating it like a face-to-face interview. You should ask questions if you have a Recruitment Consultant who is representing you, they should have a track record with an employer and therefore should leave you in no doubt of what to expect.

Vercida works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with Vercida to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

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