Telephone interviews

Sometimes you have to apply for a vacancy by telephone. This usually takes a few minutes. By doing this, the employer can:

hear how you sound
ask you a few questions
decide whether to offer you an interview

Use the checklist below to help you prepare.

Before you telephone

Make sure you are clear about the reason for making the call.
Write down the information you need e.g. the name of the person you would like to speak to, the department or the extension number.
Make a note of questions you may want to ask.
Think about what you might be asked.
Have a copy of your CV ready as this may help you to answer some questions.
Keep a pen and paper handy to take notes.
Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
Have a drink of water near you if possible.
Be prepared to leave a message on an answering machine or "voice mail". Leave your name, address and telephone number. Try to talk slowly and clearly.

During the call

Keep calm. Take a deep breath and a drink of water before you start.
Be polite and smile! This can help your confidence and you will sound friendly.
Don't slouch - good posture will improve your breathing.
Speak slowly and clearly in your normal voice.
Don't do other things while you are on the telephone. The other person will be aware of this.
Don't be put off if the person you need to speak to is not available. Ask when it is convenient to telephone back.
Try to say more than "yes" or "no" to questions. Give as much information as you can.
Ask the person to repeat something if you are unsure what has been said.
Thank the person by name for their time at the end of the call.

After the call

At the end of any telephone call you should:

thank the person you have been speaking to
think about how the call went - Were you as well prepared as you could have been? Would you do anything differently next time?
write down what you were asked and how you answered the questions
make a note of any points to remember
keep a copy of your CV and copies of any application forms you have been asked to send an employer in a safe place

Occasionally, an employer will want a more detailed interview on the telephone. If this is the case, the interview will take much longer and you would normally be sent out information in advance. The advice listed above is still relevant, but it is likely you will have to answer more detailed questions.