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Telephone Interviews

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There are several reasons that companies may choose to conduct a telephone interview before meeting in person

Time Efficiency- Telephone interviews save the time it would take to meet all candidates who may be relevant for the initial screening and comapnies can make a short list based on telephone interviwews for face to face meetings
Cost Effective - saves on expenses for out of town/overseas candidates before meeting
This initial contact establishes the candidates personality, suitability and availability for the role

Have short notes and buzz words laid out clearly in front of you. Don't write out big paragraphs as they will distract you
Clear the room of all noise and distractions
Do have a glass of water beside you in case you have a coughing fit or your mouth goes dry
Have a pen and paper waiting to take notes
Stand or sit up straight when you are on the phone, this will help the projection of your voice
If possible practice by having a mock telephone interview with a friend and/or recording your voice to check your tone, enunciation and pace
If possible take the call on a landline to eliminate the possibility of your battery dying or losing signal

Don't shuffle papers while on the phone, it's very distracting and off putting for the interviewer as well as confusing for the interviewee as they are distracted from the question being asked
Do not eat/drink/smoke or chew gum while on your telephone interview (unless you have to drink some water)

Speak clearly and slowly. It is easy to speak too fast through nervousness but your interviewer does not have the ability to rely on body language
Use the interviewers name to help build up a rapport
Listen effectively to the interviewer, both to what they're saying and the tone they are using. Don't interrupt them
If you feel enthusiastic about the role and company the interviewer is describing say so. The interviewer can't see your body language
At the end of the interview request contact information for follow up questions
Thank the interviewer for taking the time to talk to you

Follow up with a thank you note that covers any points you may have missed and reiterates your interest in being selected for the next stage and confidence in your ability to do the job
If the interviewer has shown an interest in any of your studies or publications email or send them over with your thank you note
Send any requested documentation to the interviewer immediately

Treat all initial contact over the phone as a formal exchange. When job searching you need be prepared for possible interviewers /recruiters to call you and quickly access whether you live up to your CV details and whether to call you in for interview.
Smile when appropriate during the telephone interview, it will come through in the sound of your voice