How to prepare for a telephone interview, and what to expect

Jonty

Hi,

I have 2 phone interviews with Canadian construction companies next week and was wondering how to go about preparing for them?



J

CatFromHue

This was brought up in the Engineering section and there was some good advice there that might be of help.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056678879

Remember to speak clearly and slowly if they're having difficulty with your accent. It might be a good idea to ask them at the start are they having any problems with your accent.

micosoft

Depends on length really but I would say given the scenario (Canadian company) this will be about an hour long and more or less like a full interview (not a screening interview) as they will want to be very satisfied you are the right candidate before bringing you over.

So prepare just like an interview. The only real disadvantage to phone interviews is that they cannot see you. So pauses to think that would be ok in a face to face can seem very long on the phone.
I'd suggest buying a pack of index cards, writing out your answers to the questions you anticipate. Practice reading them out to a friend or partner and make sure you don't appear monotone. Then lay the cards out on a big table for the interview. You can then pick the card when you hear the question. Pace your deliver so you don't sound mechanical.

It goes without saying make sure you are in a quiet location that you won't be interrupted in - no kids etc in the house - total silence in the background. Glass of water. Notepad & Pen (note down everyone's name if more then one on the panel). You might give a mate a call before the interview just to get into talking. Landline is much preferable to a mobile (better sound quality, no dropoffs, more comfortable over a long call). DO NOT PUT THEM ON SPEAKER PHONE! You will sound terrible unless you have an expensive conference phone.

Make sure you have a question or two for them at the end. Don't discuss salary at this stage other then state what you previously earned (if asked).

Jonty

they also want me to do a predictive index test online. what does this involve?

micosoft

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=predictive+index+test+online