Telephone Interview Tips

ABajaninCork

Thought it might be a nice idea to start a thread with any ideas, hints, tips and tricks for negotiating telephone interviews, as they seem to be pretty well the norm these days.

So - does anyone know of any?

ABajaninCork

I've thought of some...

• Do your research of the company
• Have a copy of your CV to hand
• Keep a glass of water handy (Throat gets dry through nerves!)
• Make sure your mobile (if using) is fully charged
• DON'T do the interview in your pyjamas!
• Write a thank you note at the end of the interview

Surion

In a strange way, you have the *joy* of not having them in front of you;

• Prepare you're self in advance; they are doing phone interview to seperate potentials from non-runners. Have 5/6 key points (not just 1 liners) that most associate yourself to the role. The joy here is you can have them beside you, written, as a reminder. Ensure you express them all through the course of interview (and you can tick them...just dont 'read' them down the phone!).
  
• Get blank page, and MAP your skills/experience to those of the Job Spec. Link 2/3 suggestions to each 'point' on their spec. Again, on this occasion, you have luxury of referring to notes as reminder!
  
• This might sound obtuse BUT...speak as if you know your stuff...as to somone who just asked you what you do for aliving (that is all they are doing afterall!). It will portray confidence to the listener. You can't know all they want you to...all you can do is ensure you give your overlapping examples (as above).
  
• **most important** get someone to phone you for 10 mins, pretend they are an official. And get them to ask you interview questions on phone. No chit chat...just job related stuff (and then hang up)! Might be idea to have *serious* friend do this with you. It will give you the phone experience, before you have to have it. It works a trick.
  
• Pen & paper...to write their names or anything you wish to recall. But dont focus on it.

Ps, fully agree with ABajaninCork above!

mysteries1984

I've only ever done one in my life, but I did get the job. Aside from echoing what's already been said, smile. It will show in your voice. Honestly.