How to Get Passed the Telephone Interview Stage More and more potential employers are using telephone interviews as the first screening process when hiring for a new position. Such calls can either be perfunctory, or they can be critical, in depth conversations. The important thing is to be prepared for both eventualities and a myriad possibilities in between. Here are some important tips for getting passed the telephone interview stage.

1. Ask when organising the call how much time you should put aside for it. This will give you an idea of what kind of interview to expect. If they tell you 15 minutes then you know it will be a more superficial call, if however they say 30-45 minutes, then you know that the call will be much more in-depth and require more from you such as discussions of past experience etc.

2. Find somewhere quiet to talk where you know that you won’t be interrupted. Co-workers, children and dogs can be a big distraction when you’re on a call and can make you seem extremely unprofessional. So make sure to find a quiet place.

3. One of the advantages of a phone interview is that you can keep your notes with you. So take advantage, research the company you will be speaking to and make some notes about things that you might like to say. Don’t sound like you’re reading a script, it is just to make you feel more comfortable and prepared. 

4. Make sure that you can answer key questions about the company. What does this company do? What distinguishes it from its competition? You may not be asked about this directly but if you are, you will want to know the applicable answers.

There is nothing more embarrassing, in a telephone interview, than not knowing what the job description actually is or what it might entail. To avoid this happening make sure that you do some research on the position that you’re applying for. Think about how your skills and experience will make you able to fulfil the job requirements, and also what your particular skills are that you can bring to the company.

Richard McMunn is a writer for How2become; a leading career and recruitment specialist for public sector careers. For the last 8 years How2become has helped numerous people prepare for and pass tough recruitment processes and assessment centres in order to secure their dream job. You can also connect with How2become on Google Plus