Phone Interviews

Phone Interview Tips

Here are some Phone Interview Tips to help you understand what is involved and how to convert a Phone Interview into a Face-to-Face Job Interview. Phone Interviews are mainly used by Recruiters/HR Personnel to screen candidates. They want to shortlist suitable candidates who will then be called for Interview. This helps to fast-track the Interview process and saves time and money for the company.

Overseas companies often use Phone Interviews as their main Interview technique as it is impractical to expect the candidates to travel.

Get some more preparation with Advice & Tips, Answering Questions, Interview Questions 1, Interview Questions 2, Interview Questions 3 and Questions to Ask.

Let Cork Interview Coaching help you to improve your chances of a successful job interview with one-2-one tailor-made session or bespoke group sessions

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Preparing for the Phone Interview

  • Be Prepared
  • Review your CV/Application Form
  • Review the Job Specification
  • Review your Questions & Answers - (applicable to the Job)
  • Have a copy of your CV and or Application Form in front of you so you may refer to it if you need to.
  • Have a pen and paper ready to take down any questions or instructions.
  • Make sure you are in a quiet room with no distracting noises.
  • It's very difficult to concentrate if there is background noises of children crying, doors slamming, dogs barking, music blaring or telephones ringing.
  • Use a landline if at all possible. (Turn off your Mobile)
  • If using your mobile turn off call waiting as you don't want the' beeping' to distract you.

When the Job Interview Call comes

  • Identify yourself.
  • Be Polite.
  • Speak slowly and clearly - rapid speech is a give-away to lack of Confidence.
  • Smile – Yes. It may seem daft, but a smile actually changes the tone of your voice. Try it and ask.
  • Never chew gum or sweets - you can be heard.
  • Listen carefully to each Interview Question.
  • Let the Interviewer ask the Question fully before you Answer.
  • If you require clarification on a Question - ASK - it is worse to answer incorrectly.
  • Have some Questions prepared to ask at the end of the Phone Interview.
  • Thank the Interviewer.
  • Say 'Goodbye' ONCE - not 10 times.
  • Send a Thank You letter after the Interview.