Workplace

Interviews aren’t necessarily about perfecting your handshake or making sure you are well presented. Employers often use telephone interviews before meeting candidates face-to-face; they can be delegated to a lower-level (cheaper) employee, they are cost-effective and they can be carried out quickly. For you, telephone interviews mean no travel arrangements, no need to iron your best shirt and no last-minute panic when you can’t find the right office.

This does not mean you can afford to put any less effort into telephone interviews than into face-to-face ones; making mistakes at this stage can still put an end to your progress.

Before you get to the telephone interview stage, create an applications record containing details of all the positions you have applied for, including company names, contact details and job specifications. Keep this next to the phone so it can be referred to quickly if an employer contacts you unexpectedly.

Remember potential employers might have to leave voicemail messages or correspond by email before they are able to speak to you, so create a professional impression by sticking to a straightforward firstname.lastname email address and making sure your answerphone message sounds professional.

Prepare as you would for a face-to-face interview: think about ways to expand on points you have made in your CV, covering letter or application form and prepare a list of questions you would like to ask. This will help you to remain alert and interested throughout the conversation.

Conducting a mock interview with a friend or with your recruitment consultant is an excellent way to improve your telephone interview technique. Honest, constructive feedback will help you to overcome areas of weakness.

Getting it right

Receiving a call unexpectedly can be unnerving. Your applications file can help, but if it is a bad time for you, simply explain this to the interviewer and politely ask if you can reschedule the conversation for a later date.

What you say and how you say it can substantially affect your success during a telephone interview. Your tone must convey confidence and enthusiasm and project a positive impression to the listener. Make sure you speak slowly and enunciate clearly, taking a moment to collect your thoughts if necessary. Smiling will also enhance the way you come across.

When the interview takes place, make sure you are in a quiet place away from distractions. It is important to stay focused on your objectives. Gather the information you need to decide whether or not you wish to continue with your application and give the interviewer enough information to answer their questions and persuade them that you are worth interviewing face-to-face.

Finally, think about how to close the interview effectively. The outcome should be to agree on a time, date and place for a face-to-face meeting. Once you have done this, thank the interviewer for their time and then begin your preparation for the next stage.

Ben Byram is a specialist building services recruitment consultant at NES International

Email:ben.byram@nes.co.uk; website: www.nes.co.uk