The Telephone Interview

A telephone interview rarely gets you a job offer on its own. It generally acts a either a precursor to a face-to-face interview or as a successor to a prior interview and is probably conducted by someone more senior or geographically remote. Being prepared for a telephone interview takes organisation because you never know precisely when its going to come. Make sure you have your CV to hand - preferably by the phone or at least where it is immediately in sight.

As you've read in "Impressions" Body-Language makes up 55% of the medium in any communication. So the telephone interview immediately removes over half of the tools you have to get your message across. Now you just have the words you use and your tone of voice.

When the phone rings... be calm. Be positive, friendly, and collected: "Thank you, I've been expecting your call would you wait just a second while I close the door?" Take a couple of deep breaths, get your CV and any relevant papers, put a smile on your face (it improves the timbre of your voice), and pick up the phone again. Now you are in control of yourself and the situation.

Beware of over-familiarity. You should always refer to the interviewer by his or her surname until invited to do otherwise. Let the caller do the talking initially - they will direct the call. Be polite and clear - do not fill silences or pauses with "Um", "Err", Mmmm, etc - these are much more noticeable on the telephone.

Be businesslike not personal. Telephone interviews are screening calls designed to allow the interviewer to judge whether or not its worth spending time interviewing you face to face.

At the end of the call reaffirm your interest (if indeed you are) and that you would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the position further at interview.