3 things you should know about telephone interviews

How to shine on the telephone

1 Call me
Telephone interviews demand the same preparation as face-to-face encounters: do your research, list questions to ask, and be there on time. However, still make sure your CV and notes are handy – even the Internet has been used in emergencies (inaudible clicks are vital). Invisibility creates carelessness, though: don’t even think about a mid-interview snack. Eliminate background noise, ensure you won’t be interrupted and turn off your mobile if you’re going to talk on a landline. 

2 Ring ring
There’s a unique dynamic to telephone interviews. Absence of eye contact or body language means greater effort is needed to establish a rapport. Tone of voice is the only way you can express confidence, or convey passion for your work, so try to ‘hear’ yourself and vary your delivery. Standing up makes people feel more assertive on the phone (telesales executives use this technique all the time – try it yourself in the office). Elaborate your answers, because silences will seem much longer. 

3 Hung up
The good news is you can work on your technique. Try smiling when you speak – engaging the other person will be much easier. Ask friends and colleagues for objective opinions on your telephone voice and manner, both of which could differ wildly from the impression you give in person. Leave yourself a series of voicemails, varying the speed and volume of your speech, and change your enunciation. Listen critically to the recordings. Which voice would you want to employ? 

"Eliminate background noise, ensure you won’t be interrupted and turn off your mobile if you’re going to talk on a landline"