Telephone interviews

While all the basics of a face-to-face interview apply, there are some specific tips and tricks that will help the call go well

Telephone interviews save time and keep costs down for both the recruiter and the interviewee. However, they do have a downside. In most cases you'll be answering questions under a strict time limit, and this can increase nerves. Not being able to see the interviewer also presents its own difficulties, as you're unable to gauge their response.

How to prepare for a telephone interview

Just like in any other interview situation you need to research the industry, organisation and job. Visit the company website, competitor sites and read relevant journals and news articles. Do this in advance. Avoid checking the internet for information once you've answered the interviewer's call.

You can also plan your responses to frequently asked questions by preparing a list of examples of when, and how, you've demonstrated each skill or quality listed in the person specification.

To increase your confidence when talking over the phone, ask family or friends to call you for a mock interview. Use your research and planned responses to answer their questions and treat this practice as the real thing. Try recording yourself and listening back to get a feel for how you come across over the phone.

Find more tips on how to prepare for an interview.

What to expect in a telephone interview

A member of the company's HR team usually conducts telephone interviews and they will call you at a pre-arranged time.

Generally, they follow this structure:

Introduction - The interviewer introduces themselves and outlines the call.
Overview - You may get a quick summary of the role and company.
Interview questions - They’ll ask you about your CV, experience, motivation, and relevant skills.
Your questions - At the end you’re invited to ask your own questions.
Wrap up - Information about next steps.

When answering the call, you need to be professional and upbeat. Remember that this is not an informal chat with a friend. Answer with 'Good morning/good afternoon, (your name) speaking.' Avoid using slang or informal language and maintain this professional tone throughout the interview.

When answering questions be aware of the pace of your speech. Time is limited but don't rush or mumble, despite your nerves. Be succinct and to the point.

One of the downsides to telephone interviews is that without visual clues from the interviewer it can be hard to gauge how you're doing. In a face-to-face interview you're able to take direction from the employer's body language and visual responses but this is not possible over the phone. When you're being interviewed in person, you're also able to smile and nod to show the interviewer that you're engaged.

During the interview use interjections such as 'ok', 'I see' and 'I understand' to let the interviewer know you're listening. However, be careful not to interrupt them when they're talking.

Telephone interview questions

You should expect the same questions as in a face-to-face interview including:

What do you know about our company?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
Describe a time you had to solve a difficult problem
What tools or software have you used in previous jobs?

Your responses need to demonstrate your knowledge of, and enthusiasm for the role. Find out how to answer common interview questions.

What to ask during a telephone interview

Don't end the interview with a polite 'thanks' and just hang up. As in face-to-face interviews, employers expect you to have a couple of questions of your own. These could be about the role or the company. Stay away from questions about salary, holiday entitlement or start dates. If you're struggling for ideas, see 7 good questions to ask at an interview.

It's also perfectly acceptable, if the interviewer hasn't mentioned it previously, to enquire about the next stage of the process and when you should expect to hear from them.

Length of a telephone interview

A telephone interview typically lasts between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on its purpose and the role you're applying for. For example an initial screening interview can last between 15 and 30 minutes, while a graduate scheme interview could take up to 40 minutes.

Tips for telephone interviews

Pick a suitable location - this is really important. Avoid noisy, public spaces and opt for a private, quiet location such as your home. If you live with family or friends warn them in advance that you need some peace. Minimise background noise by closing windows and turning off televisions or radios. Put electronic devices on silent to avoid being distracted.
Dress to impress - it may sound strange as the recruiter can't see you, but dress for an interview. You shouldn't treat telephone interviews any differently to face-to-face interviews and you wouldn't turn up to meet a potential employer in your pyjamas.
Stand up and smile - smile to ensure that the interviewer hears the enthusiasm in your voice from the start. To convey energy and confidence take the call standing up. At the very least make sure that you're sat upright at a table.
Refer to your notes sparingly - being able to have application documents and notes to hand is one of the main advantages of a telephone interview, but don't rely on them too heavily. The employer will hear if you're rustling papers and will be able to tell if you're reciting answers from pre-prepared notes. Instead of reams of paper use concise bullet points as prompts.
Have a glass of water nearby - interview nerves and lots of talking can lead to dry mouth, which isn't ideal when you're trying to eloquently express yourself.
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification - if you miss a particular question don't try to second guess what it might have been. Apologise and politely ask the interviewer if they can repeat it.
Take notes - if you're able to multitask jot down any useful information provided by the employer and the questions you're asked during the interview. These notes could be a valuable resource if you're invited for a second interview.

Following up a telephone interview

If you don't hear back within a couple of weeks, give them a call or send an email to follow up. Reiterate your interest in the role and thank them again for their time. If you've been unsuccessful on this occasion, use this as a chance to ask for feedback on your performance so you can use the lessons learned in future applications.