When applying for jobs, you must be prepared for a telephone interview. Companies often call candidates before they begin face-to-face interviews to narrow their field of applicants and measure their interest in the role.
These could be ten-minute informal "chats", after which they might invite you to a face-to-face interview (given they think you're suitable for the role) or formal 20-minute interviews with crucial questions to be answered and expectations to exceed. In either case, we want you to feel confident that you can ace the telephone interview – or at least feel less out of your depth – so we've compiled a list of a few simple tips to talk you through the process.
1. Hone Your Skills Through Practice
Most interviews over the phone are scheduled appointments. Candidates are often asked to specify a time slot to suit them. This enables you to get some practice in beforehand. Whether this is with friends or by yourself, it can help ease you into the process of having a telephone interview. You could get a friend to ask you questions – a few you expect and a few to test your ability to think on the spot.
Record yourselves, listen back, and try to take note of any bad habits you may have ('um's and 'ah's, for example). Practice makes perfect, right?
Research the company and the role you're applying for. Please familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and recent developments. Prepare answers to common interview questions and have examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
The same goes for when you're having a video interview.
2. Dress the Part – Even Over the Phone
I know what you're thinking – 'What?! They can't even see me!' However, this can help you get into the appropriate frame of mind for your interview. If you dress smart, you feel smart, which will show itself in your voice. The same goes for body language.
Studies have suggested that your interior monologue mirrors your external body language when you adopt 'power stances' for just two minutes. A confident internal monologue, in turn, makes for a confident speaker. Search Amy Cuddy's 'Power Pose' to explore this idea further!
3. Organize Your Resources for Easy Access
Prepare your notes - have your CV and a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer about the company. This will provide evidence that you have prepared for and considered them as an employer individually (as opposed to applying a 'one size fits all' mentality in your interview preparation).
Make notes on any experience you may have in their field of work and your answers to anticipated interview questions, and ensure it is all easy to navigate (so you aren't shuffling your papers around to try and find your answer).
Enunciate your words clearly and maintain a confident and professional tone. Speak at a moderate pace, neither too fast nor too slow. Avoid using filler words like "um" or "uh", and try to articulate your thoughts effectively.
Focus on showcasing your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Use specific examples to illustrate your abilities and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company's success.
These tips are also helpful if you are having an interview via Skype.
4. Optimize Your Environment for Focus
Make sure you are in quiet, still surroundings. Too much noise will disrupt the interview and your focus (and may also seem less professional). Ensure your phone is charged, notifications are switched off, and you have plenty of signals.
Find a place where you can have privacy during the interview. Minimize distractions such as background noise, interruptions, or notifications on your phone or computer.
Whilst it may seem obvious, don't eat or slurp drinks, though a glass of water may be a good idea if your throat gets dry.
5. Embrace Authenticity and Confidence
As difficult as it may seem when trying to impress someone, try to be yourself. Let your true self impress them - after all, you may be working in close quarters with them for months to come, so they genuinely want to get to know you (albeit the best version of you – but you nonetheless).
Try to calm your nerves by reminding yourself of your value.
6. Take your time answering questions
When asked a question, take a deep breath and think before speaking. Briefly scan your notes and take your time to answer. Of course, don't take all the time in the world, but a few second's pause is OK.
Try not to fill it nervously with 'um's and 'ah's - a well-thought-out answer will be much better received than a rushed, stuttering one.
This is what NOT to do in an interview...
Show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the position and the company. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, the team, or the company's plans. Engage in a conversation rather than just answering questions.
Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions and listen carefully before responding. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering to provide clear and concise responses.
7. Maintain Positivity and Gratitude
Remind yourself why you would be good at the job, why you deserve it, and why you would enjoy it - you could even write them on post-it notes as nuggets of positive affirmation and to jog your memory during your interview.
If you believe them, the interviewer will likely believe them too because you are marvellous when you put your mind to it.
Even though the interviewer cannot see you, your body language can influence your tone and overall demeanour. Sit up straight, smile, and use hand gestures (if it helps) to convey enthusiasm and engagement.
A good thing to do after the interview is express gratitude for the opportunity to speak with the interviewer. Send a thank-you email or note promptly to reiterate your interest in the position and to reinforce a positive impression.
Remember, a telephone interview is just as important as an in-person interview. By being well-prepared, attentive, and showcasing your skills and enthusiasm, you can increase your chances of acing the telephone interview and progressing to the next stage of the hiring process.
Last, we won't wish you good luck because we think you'll ace it.
Post by Lucy Barka
Lucy is a student at the University of Birmingham
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