Telephone Interview Techniques
Putting you more in control.
The telephone is often used as a screening technique prior to short-listing Candidates for a formal interview.
If you are invited, preparation is just as important as for a face-to-face meeting.
It is particularly suitable method of screening Candidates applying for roles where the telephone will be the main method of communicating with others.
If you are invited, preparation is just as important as for a face-to-face meeting.
It is particularly suitable method of screening Candidates applying for roles where the telephone will be the main method of communicating with others.
A while beforehand
Find out as much as you can about the Company and the person interviewing you.
Will they be calling you or are you calling them? Once you know the time, you are in control of where you will be for the interview.
Use the Internet, the prospective Employer will probably have a website telling you all you need.
Will they be calling you or are you calling them? Once you know the time, you are in control of where you will be for the interview.
Use the Internet, the prospective Employer will probably have a website telling you all you need.
How do they make their money?
What product or service do they sell?
Who are their competitors?
Why are they better than the competition?
Personal information
Write a profile (personal statement) that sells your background, ability and future in as few words as possible
Have a copy of your CV in front of you all the time.
Know how you will answer questions
Immediately beforehand
If you are going to be at home or in an office, shut the door.
Let others know that you mustn’t be disturbed.
Turn off any other phones, the radio or TV.
Put the dog and baby somewhere else.
If you’ll be talking from your car, park up somewhere quiet & not in a no- parking area where a parking-meter attendant will disturb you.
An interview from a landline will be much clearer but if you have to be out and about, try not to be in a noisy Supermarket, on a station platform or a bus. You’ll think and sound much better if you’re on a park bench but beware of wind across the microphone of your mobile.
Don’t chew sweets, eat lunch or smoke, the interviewer can tell. Have water handy for if your throat dries up but don’t slurp and don’t drink coffee (mopping up a spilt hot drink is impossible to do un-noticed)
Have available, paper and pencil (plus spare) and something on which to lean.
Know what you want to achieve, the minimum should be a second interview, face-to-face with the Employer.
During the interview
Smile, the interviewer will be able to tell.
Be positive, they possibly need you more than you need them.
Don’t use the Interviewer’s first name unless you’re invited.
Don’t interrupt.
Don’t rush to answer; a few seconds pause is acceptable to give time for thought.
Keep your answers short and to the point.
If you are in a job at the time, concentrate on the future, don’t slag of your present Job and certainly not your present Employer.
Find out what happens next.
Be positive and ask if you can set up a second meeting.
Do all you can to make sure the Interviewer wants you to join them, even if the role isn’t right for you, an offer will make you feel good.
If invited back, find out where, with whom, write down the time, date and re-confirm all details.
Work History
This is arguably the most important part of your CV. As with education, list your jobs in reverse order starting with your most recent or current job. Think carefully about what skills you have used and acquired during each job. If you have limited work experience remember that even the mundane jobs have taught you something.
Now, for each job provide basic details including job title, company name and the start and finish dates of your employment.
Now, for each job provide basic details including job title, company name and the start and finish dates of your employment.
Using bullet points, list your activities and achievements during that particular job.
Important: After each bullet point ask yourself "so what?" What does this mean to a potential employer?
For example, suppose you used the following bullet point: * Operated Till
Does this offer the employer any insight into what you learned from the experience that might benefit them if they were to take you on? No
It might be better to put something like this:
* Ran a busy checkout serving the general public, which improved my ability to work under pressure and gave me experience in dealing with a wide range of different people.
The above bullet point offers much more of an insight into what you gained from the experience that might be of use to your next employer.
Apply the "so what?" question to all your bullet points and that will help you to create a CV that sells you in a positive light.
Interests
Keep this section brief. Two or three interests are enough. Think about what you write here before you list them. Employers can learn a lot about a person from their interests.
Crosswords and software design for example would suggest that the job seeker is intellectually able. Squash and Badminton might suggest a competitive personality. TV and reading might suggest that the job seeker prefers his/her own company.
Think about the kind of impression your interests create and be prepared to answer questions around this.
Crosswords and software design for example would suggest that the job seeker is intellectually able. Squash and Badminton might suggest a competitive personality. TV and reading might suggest that the job seeker prefers his/her own company.
Think about the kind of impression your interests create and be prepared to answer questions around this.
CV Structure
CV Dos & Don'ts
Don't leave gaps.
Don't use fancy fonts and borders.
Don't try and be humorous (recruitment is serious).
Don't list your salary requirements.
Don't use the word "I" unless absolutely necessary.
Don't use jargon.
Don't use pictures or photos.
Do check thoroughly for spelling mistakes.
Do use short sentences.
Do use good quality plain white A4 paper if you are printing your CV.
Do use bullet points.
Do try to stick to 2-3 pages.
Do take the time to get it right. You only get one chance to make a good first impression.
