THE FIRST INTERVIEW SCREENING CALL

Although we all spent a lot of time on our phones, we actually spent a very small proportion

of that time speaking on the phone if compared to the 1970’s and 1980’s. As more often than

not, recruitment processes nowadays involve a phone call first to determine whether to invite

you for an in-person meeting, you’re well advised to give a phone interview a bit of thought

and preparation. Particularly if you bear in mind that something like 75% of effective

communication is non-verbal.

So here are some telephone interview tips that will help prepare yourself for a successful

call.

1. DO SOME RESEARCH

Try to find out who will be interviewing you. Will there be multiple people on the call? If

possible get their names and titles. Become familiar with these before the call and you will

have one less thing to worry about during the call. Try and get some background on the

interviewer. Any insight you can gain about them will allow you to better tailor your responses

to make the best possible impression.

2. ORGANISE YOUR THOUGHTS

Make a list of your accomplishments, goals and strengths. On another list write out your

weaknesses (or better still: your development needs) and what you are doing to overcome

them. On a third sheet write down why you are interested in the company. Think carefully

about all of these items as they often come up in these screening calls.

3. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

Never forget that a telephone call is still an interview. Take time to practice interview

questions with friends or family. Ask them to provide honest feedback so you can improve

your responses. Mock interview questions can easily be found on the internet. If you get

stuck on a question, sample answers to these questions are often provided as well.

4. DO A SOUND CHECK

During the mock interview, have your friend ask you questions both over the phone and in

person. Make sure that he/she listens not only for content, but also tone, rate and clarity of

your speech. If possible, record yourself speaking. Are you speaking slowly and clearly? Can

you easily be heard? Is your voice portraying you as a confident and enthusiastic candidate?

If not continue to practice until you are comfortable.

5. FIND YOUR LOCATION

Stake out a quiet space to occupy during your interview. Ideally, there should be a

comfortable place to sit as well as a table to lay out your papers. Try and find a low-traffic

spot where members of the household are unlikely to disturb you.

6. ORGANISE YOUR PAPERS

Have a copy of your resume and cover letter close at hand. Take out those lists you made

while organising your thoughts. In addition keep any notes related to the company that you

feel may be helpful during the call. Spread these items out across your table so they are

easy to access. Only keep what is truly necessary. Too much paper can be a distraction.

7. GATHER YOUR WRITING TOOLS

Make sure you have a pen that works and a writing pad handy.

8. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

As the appointed hour draws near, make sure that the television and the radio are turned off. Exit your email and turn off your computer screen. If possible, disable your call-waiting. Let

your family know about the timing of the interview so they do not accidentally disturb you.

The main rules are:

• Think about how you normally answer the phone at home. When you answer the

phone, do so by announcing your name, in an enthusiastic style: ‘John Pickles, Good

Morning!’ If this is not your natural style, change it!

• Sound interesting/interested, energetic and enthusiastic

• Be succinct (don’t waffle)

• Ask open-ended questions (beginning with who, what, when, why, where, how: these

all ask for information, and keep the ball in the other person’s court). Be prepared that

they will do exactly the same!

• Don’t use jargon, swear words or colloquialisms.

• Use the other person’s name regularly throughout the conversation (but not all the

time). Also, use the company name a few times.

• During the telephone interview, talk calmly, well paced out and with warmth.

Professional presenters will tell you that it is a good idea to stand during a telephone

interview as this makes you sound more confident and helps project a positive and

professional image and that smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression. Do

not forget to use gestures and facial expressions as you would normally do. They are

translated and transmitted down the phone line. Smiling, taking deep breaths help

improve blood flow and improve your articulation.

• To help you in establishing rapport on the phone, try to match your speaking rate and

pitch to that of the interviewer.

• Be a good listener. Your listening skills would be put to the test here, as your answers

will reflect if you have been listening well or not. If you do not hear or understand what

was said, do not hesitate to ask that it be repeated. Do not confabulate or make up

questions.

• Answer questions straight to the point, using short sentences. Do not say more than is

expected of you. Use facts and figures, and show achievements. Let your interviewer

see why you are priceless ... do not overdo it of course

Contact me if you’re not certain or would like more advice.

Good luck!

Maarten Jonckers