Telephone Interview Techniques

(Please read the following carefully before your telephone interview)

PREPARATION

The purpose of a telephone interview is to get you a face-to-face interview. Before the telephone interview you should find out as much detail as you can about the company and the position you are applying for. Of course, when your telephone interview has been arranged through Ability Plus Limited, then your consultant will try to provide most of the background information you need, wherever possible. Once you have the key information, don't be afraid to bring a pen and paper and make notes, you can't be expected to know everything about the company.

DURING THE TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Good things to try to do:

  • Switch off the radio, television
  • Go somewhere quiet where you won't be disturbed
  • Speak clearly and confidently
  • Avoid answering questions with just 'yes' or 'no' answers
  • Take notes of working hours and what responsibilities the job will involve

Try to avoid:

  • Interrupting the interviewer, or talking too quickly/much
  • Eating, chewing gum, drinking or smoking during your telephone interview
  • Hanging up before the conversation has ended
  • Rushing through your answers and drawing attention to your weaknesses
  • Swearing (even mildly) or criticising former employers

POSSIBLE TELEPHONE QUESTIONS

  • "Tell me about yourself?" This is the question which is most often asked. Match your qualities to the position you are applying for i.e. the ability to communicate well with people, to set goals and stay on target. "I am an outgoing person who interacts well with people. I like to set myself goals and stick to them, I am very persistent."
  • "Why do you want to work here?" Mention what you know about the company, that it has a good reputation, any training which may be on offer, that will give you a good chance to develop and do work which interests you.
  • "What qualities and experience do you have to offer?" Your interviewer will have a copy of your CV in front of them, you need to match what you said in your original CV, if you are unsure, contact your consultant prior to the telephone interview.
  • "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Be very careful with this question, generally your strengths are what you are good at and weaknesses are what you are not so good at, followed by an example if you can. Keep it professional, but social examples can be included, i.e. "I am a good team player, I play rugby for my local team" or "I am very punctual, in fact I have never been late for work". Don't use statements like "I am not very good at timekeeping", this will not impress the employer and may put them off inviting you to attend an interview. Examples include, "I sometimes take too much pride in my work and can take longer than expected" or "I like to do a job properly than have to correct it at a later date."
  • "Why did you leave your last job?" Explain the reasons why your last job ended. If there is anything positive to say, then say it, try not to focus on the negative points. If you left for health reasons, inform them that you are now fit and reassure the employer that you can do the duties required. If you were dismissed, you have taken responsibility for your actions and learned from the experience. Remember that your past employer could be approached for a reference and they may mention a dismissal or sacking, if you have not disclosed this information to us.
  • "How long have you been out of work?" The employer will be looking for job searching activities, voluntary work, further education or study.

Show a real interest in the job. Speak clearly and confidently and make sure that everything you say is factual and sincere. Avoid answering with a simple yes or no. Support your answer with relevant information from your experience and relate everything you say to the job you are applying for.

Ideally, you'll have anticipated and prepared for difficult questions relating to your experience and capabilities. If you are asked an unexpected question, pause and think before giving an answer and always offer a positive response that relates back to the position you are applying for.

Ask the interviewer when he/she will be making a decision regarding a face-to-face interview and whether he/she needs any further clarification about your experience.

The unprepared interviewer...

Not all employers will have had training or are experienced in interviewing people face-to-face or over the telephone. They could be just as nervous as you are about the situation.

Delays and interruptions...

Don't become impatient if the employer keeps you waiting. They may have good reasons for this, so try to keep calm and relax.

At the end of the telephone interview...

Thank them for their time and consideration and tell them how much you enjoyed discussing the job with them. Remain positive!

Tell the employer that you look forward to hearing from him/her again.

After the telephone interview...

Tell your consultant what you thought about the conversation as soon as possible, as the company may contact us to request feedback. Make a note of any difficult questions and what you learned from them.

Getting a decision...

If they invite you for a face-to-face interview - great! We'll make all the necessary arrangements. If you didn't get the decision you were hoping for, don't give up. Put it down to experience and bear in mind that this telephone interview was a valuable exercise in itself.