With job candidates stacked around the block recruiters are becoming more and more picky in their selection process habits. So before they drag you out for a face to face interview, they may just want to hear your dulcet tones on the end of the telephone first.
 
So how do you excel in an interview with no sweaty handshake, no freshly laundered suit, and no charming smile to seal the deal?

Cheat sheets- Make sure you have a pen and notepad handy so that you can write down any useful information that the interviewer may supply you with, such as interview dates, specifics of the job role etc.

Keep your CV and a copy of the job description on hand so that you can refer back to it. Note down any questions you would like answering in the interview.


Practice makes perfect- Think about how you might answer the following questions for some pre-interview preparation:

why do you want this job?
what are your strengths and weaknesses?
where did you hear about us?

Trying some practice answers will help you be more natural and relaxed on the phone. There will be less chance of you getting caught out by a question if you have thought about likely questions and answers beforehand.

How to conduct yourself on the phone- A known technique used in the sales industry is to smile whilst on the phone. Yes, it sounds pretty silly, especially when no-one can see you, but it will help you to relax and sound upbeat and positive.

Avoid using slang, or colloquialisms- just because you aren't face to face with the employer does not mean you should forget common interview practice.

Allow yourself enough time to take the call, don't make other plans in case the interview is longer than you expect. The conversation will probably take about 20-30 minutes, but could be longer or shorter depending on the employer.

Your mindset when taking the call is very important- don't answer your phone in your dressing gown and fluffy slippers. Dress smartly- it does have a psychological impact on your ability to answer the questions in a more professional way.

Answer all questions clearly but concisely- don't spend too long on each question, as you won't have another person in the room to gage their reaction to the length of your response. Be succinct and don't cut in, if the interviewer is talking.

Other things to remember- Most employers will probably ring you with a withheld number, so don't accidentally screen their call!

Think about the location you are in- is it suitable to take a phone call? Are you in a noise-free environment, away from distractions. Also ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, to avoid cutting them off midway through the call.

If you miss their call, they won't be phoning back! It is unlikely that you will be able to reschedule your phone interview if you are not around at the arranged time, there will be a long list of candidates that they can call, so make sure you are in the right place at the right time!

Ending the phone call- Make sure you thank them for calling, and enquire as to when you are likely to hear from them again: "Thank you very much for your time, this job certainly seem ideal for me. when may I expect to hear about the next stage of the interview process?"

Good Luck and Happy Job Hunting.