Phone interview preparation tips:

Begin by studying the job description and your profile. This will enable you to identify the company's particular
needs and demonstrate that you possess the skills required to meet them.
Select a quiet place where you will not be disturbed during the phone call. Keep your resume and cover letter a
copy of the job advertisement and your notes in front of you. !ot down key points throughout the course of the
interview.
"ind out all you can about the company's products services history and culture. #ake a special effort to identify
any areas where your skills and e$perience may be of particular value. %ead recent press releases etc.
"amiliari&e yourself with the company's website and be prepared to comment constructively upon it if asked.
'repare a list matching your accomplishments to the company's stated requirements. Keep this list in front of you
during the interview and refer to it at every opportunity.
Specify and quantify your accomplishments e.g. 'increased sales by ()*' or 'reduced overheads by +,*'.
-nterviewers are keen to hear about relevant challenges or problems you faced in the workplace the specific
actions you took and the measurable results you achieved. They seek to identify key competencies such as
communication skills analytical skills teamwork drive and initiative. Be prepared to give e$amples of how and
when you have demonstrated these key competencies.
To get the feel of being interviewed over the phone compile a list of probable questions and prepare your
answers carefully using key words and phrases from the job description and candidate profile. .o not attempt to
write out your answers in full or they will sound wooden and scripted.
-t 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.
#atching your speaking rate and pitch to that of the interviewer will help you to establish rapport.
'rofessional radio broadcasters can vouch for the fact that smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression.
So make an effort to smile appropriately during the call.
Since it is important to convey the impression that you are genuinely interested in the company and eager to
make a contribution refer to salient information you discovered during the course of your research.
/isten attentively to the interviewer's questions and comments. %espond appropriately to verbal or tonal cues. -f
you don't understand a question ask for clarification. 'rovide well0developed balanced and analytical answers.
1void monosyllabic 'yes' and 'no' replies.
-f asked to e$plain your reasons for leaving your previous job make sure to have positive reasons prepared.
2nder no circumstances should you critici&e your previous employers or colleagues.
3aving researched the company and analy&ed the job description as suggested you should find it easy to
prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer when afforded the opportunity.
1t the end of the phone call emphasi&e your interest in the job and the company and reiterate your qualifications.
Stress that you would welcome the opportunity of a face0to0face interview.