How to Appear Professional in a Telephone Interview

Business

Preparing for a Telephone Interview

Telephone interviews are becoming increasingly popular; they may be used for screening of potential applicants, and have been noted as particularly prevalent in agencies specializing in graduate placements (Silvester et al., 2000). The process has the potential to increase efficiency in the recruitment process, allowing screening to take place effectively in terms of time and resource use, which is usually followed by a more in-depth face-to-face interview (Arthur, 2012). For an interview candidate to be successful in a telephone interview there needs to be a careful consideration of what the interviewer will be looking for; this will include interest in the job and the ability to satisfy the relevant criteria needed by a successful candidate (Arthur, 2012).

Before a telephone interview a candidate should ensure they are prepared. This preparation will include thoroughly rereading the job advertisement as well as undertaking some background research. Reading the advertisement or job description which they replied to is an essential stage of preparation. During the initial stages of the interview, the interviewer is likely to give some background to the job, it is quite possible that if the candidate has not fully read the advertisement, their lack of knowledge may come to light during the interview, either directly during the conversation, or though questions the candidate themselves asks. If during the reading of the advertisement any particular questions come to mind, it is advisable to write these down, otherwise they may be forgotten during the interview process.

Undertaking some research on the firm will give candidates an increased knowledge of the firm, and allow them to demonstrate they have an interest. The knowledge may also help them to identify suitable questions they may ask when promoted. The research process itself also needs to be considered; if any contact is made directly with the firm it is essential that this is undertaken in a professional and courteous manner, but generally it is not recommended that a candidate contact the firm prior to the interview, especially when there are many other sources of information available (Arthur, 2012).

Preparation should also include practicing in the phone. Telephone interviewing is like any other skill; the more that it is practiced the better one is likely to perform. Using friends for family to simulate telephone interviews will enable the interviewee to get practice. The calls can also be recorded to listen back and use the process as a learning exercise. The review can listen not only to the content, but also the manner, and issues such as whether there is the repetition of utterances such as 'errr', or a tendency to interrupt the interviewer. Awareness may allow the candidate to adjust their telephone manner. If the interviewee has had previous unsuccessful telephone interviews they may ask for feedback, as this may also help to provide useful advice ion how to improve.

During the interview the interviewer is likely to be looking for specific characteristics within a candidate. One general characteristic is a degree of self-confidence (although not over confidence). The preparation will help the candidate to increase their self-confidence, and reduce some of the anxiety that will be associated with the interview. Considering the requirements that they may be looking for prior to the interview may also help with the framing of answers.