Tips for a telephone interview

Some companies may use telephone interviews to screen candidates before inviting them to a second round.

They’re slightly different to face-to-face interviews – you’re solely judged on what you say and how you say it, not how you look, how you shake hands, how you physically respond to questions. That leaves more emphasis on what you say.

If you’re using a mobile, be sure to charge it fully – you don’t know how long it will take. Find somewhere quiet where you won’t be interrupted or distracted. Have a copy of your CV and your application form in front of you – a great advantage of the telephone interview.

You should have done just as much preparation for a telephone interview as you would for a face-to-face interview. They’ll want to know why you want the role, what you can bring to the company and what you know about the industry they work in. Prepare answers to some frequently asked questions and don’t forget to mention your DofE.

Make sure you sound confident and enthusiastic and don’t rush into your answers – take your time. Listen to the interviewer and if you don’t understand what they’re asking, ask them to clarify the question.

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