Make Your First Impression Count

The Importance of a Phone Interview

It’s important not to underestimate a phone interview. Most companies use phone interviews as their first stage of screening, meaning this is your first opportunity to impress. On most occasions, if you do not excel here, you will not make it to the next round.

There are countless benefits of having an initial phone interview. Not only does it save valuable time out of the office, but you also don’t need to plan what you wear, which is always a bonus.

In most cases having an initial phone interview can help speed up the hiring process, which makes it an obvious go-to for a hiring manager. For this reason, we have put together some tips and techniques to help see you through this process:

• Think about which phone number to offer to be contacted on. If your signal isn’t great on your mobile, consider moving to a location with better signal, use a landline or offer the opportunity for a wifi call.
• Where are you going to be at the time of the call? Think about this carefully. It’s not suggested that you use your current employers company board room, where you could be interrupted. Find somewhere of neutral ground where you will not be disturbed and can focus on the call.
• Will you be at home to take the call? Then we advise that you isolate yourself somewhere without children and pets. Ensure if you live in a noisy household that you get the support of all, even if the quiet period only lasts for the duration of your interview.
• Telephone interviews can last anything from 10 - 60 minutes. Be ready 10 minutes before, in case the interviewer is early.
• Always make sure you have your CV in front of you, with some highlighted key accomplishments to assist with any answers. The interviewer cannot see what preparation you have in front of you, putting you at a slight advantage.
• However silly it sounds, try to smile. When speaking over the phone you want to come across happy, excited and enthusiastic and smiling when communicating is a great way to start.
• Remember to speak slowly and take your time. Be conscious that you’re not talking too fast as your interview is most probably taking notes as you speak.
• Try giving enough information and insight but try to hold something back for the next stage, remember that you want to secure a face to face interview. You will need fresh and new information to discuss should you make it to the next stage.

Last but not least, don’t forget to ask any inital questions you have, thank the interviewer for their time and advise that you look forward to hearing from them.

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