how do i get ready for a telephone interview?

Answer 1

Do some research on the company conducting the interview. If you know of a friend who has been previously interviewed, have a chat with them. Give clear and concise replies to the questions asked. Do not appear as if you are reading from a pre-prepared fact sheet. Pause before answering. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Mate - I don't have an answer, I just want to say good luck. I only ever did one telephone interview before and I failed miserably. It is so much harder when you can't see people's expressions or read their body language.

Just prepare in the same way that you would for any normal interview ... no wait, why would you listen to me?

[Edit] Hang on ... I just read boring_kind_of_anger's answer - if it is a recruiter and not the employer, that's different then. Nothing to worry about! It's what we term a "screen" (I work in recruitment) and is not a proper interview. You just basically talk them through your resume. They don't ask you the hard questions where you actually have to think.

Answer 3

First be calm. Keep a glass of water handy. Be sure you can sit down comfortably while doing this. Try to do this in a quiet room and keep the pets, kids etc. out while you're having your interview. Have the ad you answered and any questions you may have prepared and in front of you.
Lastly, it really helps if you're dressed as if you were actually doing a face to face interview. People do act and sound different depending on how they are dressed. I know they can't see you but you voice and confidence will come through.
Good Luck

Answer 4

The advantage you have is they can't see you. If you are interviewing for a technical position, have a couple books you can reference quickly if you get stumped by the question. Other than that, just try to relax. However, if you would normally put on a suit for the interview, you may want to put on something a little nicer so you subconsciously realize you are in an interview and maintain your professionalism.

Answer 5

make sure you are in a quiet area - free from interruptions, you have a phone (cell or cordless) that won't die on you, and you turn the volume way up. it's best you sit at a table or desk, just as you would for a regular interview. other than that, just keep calm and answer just as you would if it were a face to face. more than likely depending on what company you are interviewing for, you're not even going to talk to someone from that company. some companies outsource their hr so that some phone rep just asks a bunch of questions and types your answers so try to speak clearly and not too fast. anyway, i think that about covers it. good luck.

Answer 6

Hi,

Check the internet for common interveiw questions then make notes of answers, sum urself up in a list and what u wud bring to the company, have some questions to ask the interveiwer, and find some background on the company it will impress them if u know some facts etc.

talk slowly and clearly try not to um and ahh. always be positive even if ur answers seemed naff, confidence will come over on the phone

talk up any job experience even if it was stalking shelves in tescos.

Rx

Answer 7

Know a little about the job your going to. Speak clearly. Don't babble and don't try and speak over the interviewer. Relax, take a deep breath and smile whilst you are speaking.

Good luck!

Answer 8

For lots of interview tips click these links:
http://www.creativegroup.com/InterviewTips
http://www.job-interview.net/
http://interview.monster.com
http://www.collegegrad.com/intv/

# Mock Job Interviews -- Includes the job description, a practice question set, answer tips, and interview resources based on actual job openings. http://www.job-interview.net/sample/Demosamp.htm

# How to Interview -- Offers articles and advice on job interviewing. http://www.howtointerview.com

# WetFeet.com: Interviewing -- A selection of articles from experts about action plans, decoding the inteview process,
cheat sheets, body language, and much more. http://www.wetfeet.com/advice/interviewing.asp

# Yahoo! HotJobs: Interview Tips -- A selection of useful articles, essays, and advice for job-seekers.
http://www.hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview

# Types of Job Interviews -- Brief primer by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D, from Quintessential Careers.
http://www.quintcareers.com/job_interviews.html

# JobWeb: Resumes & Interviews -- Information on resumes and interviews, cover letters, and provides useful links to other sites. http://www.jobweb.com/Resumes_Interviews/default.htm

Answer 9

good advice above me. can i add to stand up - its a psycholgical trick I was taught on some management shite thing

Answer 10

Sound confident, Be polite and clear.