5 Top Tips – interview by telephone

Many employers are now conducting an interview by telephone as first stage of their assessment process. They can be a really useful way to demonstrate your skills whilst finding out a bit more about the position and the business. Being interviewed via the telephone can be especially convenient if you’re not within an easy commuting distance of your potential new workplace.

There are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of a successful interview by telephone:

1. Research

   A telephone interview needs to be treated in much the same way as a first face to face meeting. It’s your chance to impress a potential employer so learning as much as you can about the company will stand you in good stead. Where possible, try and research the person interviewing you, this is a great way to build rapport and give you some valuable information that you can use to ask relevant questions Information on the vast majority of employers is available on the internet and through your recruitment consultant. Their company website is a great place to start.

 

2. Control Environment

   There is nothing more off putting during a telephone interview than to hear the sound of a busy café, heavy traffic or barking dogs. Plan ahead and find a quiet room where you are unlikely to be disturbed. By minimising distractions you will be able to concentrate on the conversation; this should be a two way discussion and requires both parties having full attention. It’s also a good idea to have your CV in front of you; if the interviewer asks you a question about it you can refer to it immediately.

 

3. Be Professional

   It may be an obvious point but it’s amazing how easy it is to be informal on the phone. It’s great to show a bit of personality, but this is still an interview and an important part of the hiring process and so maintaining a professional approach is vital in succeeding.

 

4. Take Notes

   Have a pen and paper ready, there may be some key bits of information that you want to clarify and important details that you may wish to expand on.

 

5. Questions

   A telephone interview is very much a two way conversation; the idea of most interviews is that the interviewer should be speaking 20 – 30 percent of the time and the interviewee the remainder. Towards the end of the interview remember to ask any questions you may have. You can plan these in advance or refer to questions you have made whilst taking notes.

Asking questions shows that you have put some genuine thought into what it would be like to work for that particular business, another chance to impress!

If you’re on the look out for a new role why not browse our Healthcare jobs or contact one of our team by phone on 01423 813450 or email at [email protected]