Tips for a great telephone interview

Telephone interviews, in some ways, can be easier to do than in-person or video conferencing interviews. You don't need to worry about what you are wearing, or that nervous smile. However, there are some key things you need to focus on to ensure you impress over the phone.

Potential phone interview difficulties

First impressions are much harder to make without visually being able to see a person. This is can be overcome with strong verbal communication skills, confidence and researched knowledge of your interviewer’s company.

Ensuring a great telephone interview

Use a landline, if possible, and make sure you also have a contact number for the person in case you happen to miss the call.

Find a quiet, comfortable place to conduct the interview. Barking dogs, loud noises and children can be critical distractions. Ensure others know you are conducting an interview and are not to be disturbed.

Project your voice and speak clearly into the phone. Mumbling and speaking quietly shows a lack of confidence and can also be very frustrating to the interviewer. The tone in your voice says a lot, so pay careful attention.

Listen carefully so that you pick up on your interviewer’s verbal cues. You are at a disadvantage of not being in the same room, so use what you can to fully understand the conversation.

Don't talk over the interviewer, but adding in things like ‘I understand’, when appropriate, can help them to know you are paying attention to what is being said. If there is a pause in conversation, don't jump in right away to fill it. They are most likely taking notes. If you are uneasy and thinking they want you to continue you can always say something like ‘Would you like me to elaborate or expand on that?’

Just because the interview is not face-to-face, doesn’t mean you don't need to present yourself strategically.

Good luck!