Telephone interviews are often conducted by employers during the hiring process. These are usually transcribed for more detailed review and later reference with the help of interview transcription providers. The telephone interview allows both interviewee and interviewer to be more relaxed. With the increase in the number of call centers and other telephone-based businesses, a larger number of companies use telephone interviews to evaluate the telephone manners and other skills of potential staff. Telephone interviews are a quick and easy method to identify good candidates and are often conducted by employers including large banks and accounting firms that typically have large intakes of staff. When there is a long list of candidates, a telephone interview is a quick process of elimination of unsuitable candidates.
Tips for Telephone Interviews
Given the importance of the telephone interview, candidates must prepare well for the process. Preparation for the interview, the interview itself, and the follow-up are all very important. How can a candidate prepare well for a job interview and perform exemplarily?
- Prepare well
- Since it is a telephone interview, make sure that you schedule the interview in such a way that you can take the call without any disturbance. If the interviewer wants you to choose the time, you must be aware of the organization’s working hours. Preferably, choose earlier call times so that you will be among the first candidates interviewed.
- Choose a quiet place to avoid any disturbances or hindrances.
- Another important thing is to understand everything you can about the job, the company, and also the common questions you may be asked.
- What to consider during the interview itself
- Once all the preparation for the interview is done, it is important to sharpen your conversational skills. Speaking a clear and warm voice and keep smiling even though it is a phone interview. This is because smiling will make your voice sound warmer. Build a rapport with the interviewer and make yourself comfortable.
- Keep a note of questions that need not be asked or should not be asked during your interview.
- How you conclude your interview is very important because this is what helps with following up later. You should end the interview in a light and friendly manner. Once the interview is over, thank the interviewer for their time and patience.
- Follow up the interview:
- If you wish to discuss more about a topic that you discussed earlier, then send a small message expressing your wish to discuss more about it.
- If you wish to stay in touch, send messages or emails once in month about recent updates. They will surely notice your efforts and also appreciate the time you take to write to them. This will keep you fresh in their minds. They may contact you if there is another better position available for you.
Telephone sessions can be more stressful and sensitive than interviews in person. So it is important to be careful about everything you say and the way you answer the questions. Also, keep in mind that your employer may keep a recording of your interview and get it transcribed for future reference and review, which makes it very important about being cautious and extremely diligent throughout your telephone interview.
