How to Tackle Telephonic Interview?

Alisha Sharma | Interview Advice | 02 Mar 2020

So, you just got yourself invited for a telephonic interview? Bravo!

However, if the idea of making an impression from distance makes

you anxious, do not worry. We have got your back!

With the following tips, learn how to sound confident over the

phone, how to convince the recruiter with your answers, how to
handle difficult questions, along with a list of common telephone
interview questions to prepare you well.
So, let’s get you set up for the phone call now!

1. Double-check interview details

If the interview was scheduled beforehand, double-check the time
and date of the call.
If the call is from abroad, make sure you check the time difference and
the time zone.

Know the full name of your interviewer and formally address them.

2. Do your research
Just as you would do for a face to face interview, prepare yourself
well for a telephonic interview.

Go through the job description and the background of the company.

You can expect questions on the profile you applied for and key areas
mentioned in the job description.

Furthermore, being informed about the nature and achievements of

the company will add value to the conversation.
3. Keep resume handy
The most common question to begin a telephonic interview is usually
- 'Tell me about yourself'.
As you brief about yourself to the recruiter, keep your resume handy.

Having the information will ensure that you do not forget to mention
any crucial points or achievements related to your profile.

4. Have a cheat sheet

Even though making an impression over a phone call might appear a
daunting task to some, it has its advantages.

The biggest advantage is that you both cannot see each other.

So make notes on expected questions beforehand, rehearse them and

keep them in front of you during the interview.
Trust us, you will be able to speak with much more confidence.

You can consider making use of apps such

as Evernote, OneNote, Simplenote, or Google Keep for organizing
your notes.

5. Practice
Get a family member or friend to conduct a mock telephonic interview
with you.

Record the conversation and note down the points you can
improve upon.
Practicing will help you rehearse your answers and check your tone.
Apps such as Automatic Call Recorder and Call recorder Free help
you record a call that is already in progress or one you are about to
make.

6. Facing difficult questions

On facing a difficult question, do not panic. Take a few moments to
think.

You may also use your laptop to quickly look for pointers to build an
answer.

However, if you cannot manage to come up with something worth

saying, politely let the interviewer know about it.

Now focus on the next question without worrying about the previous
one.

7. Ask questions
Always ask at least a couple of questions to the interviewer.
The questions should be related to the job profile, company culture,
etc.
It will show your motivation for the role and the company.

You may also take the initiative to ask the recruiter about the right
time for a follow-up, towards the end of the conversation.
However, do not sound too desperate. You may say something like,
'So when can I expect to hear from you next?'

8. Turn off call waiting

This is an important point that is often ignored by many. A call
waiting can easily cause distraction and break the flow of your
conversation.
Do not forget to turn off call waiting on your phone when getting
ready to take the interview call.

9. Turn off any other possible interruption

This is a no-brainer. You cannot have a smooth conversation with
sounds playing in the background.

Check that your television, music, etc. are turned off. Get to a quiet
and comfortable area with no possible interruptions.

If you live with family or friends, inform them about the call
beforehand, so that no one interrupts you in between and maintain
silence.

10. Be a good listener

Besides speaking, listening skill is also a crucial component of the
telephonic interview process.

Avoid talking in between and let the recruiter complete his thought or
question before you speak.

So listen carefully, understand the questions well, and give ‘to the
point’ answers.

11. Pen and paper

Do not miss out on important information that the recruiter mentions
about the company or the job role.

Be ready with a pen and paper to take down all the vital points shared
during the interview.

12. Be polite and professional

Keep your tone pleasant throughout the interview as most
interviewers are experienced and can easily judge the comfort level of
the candidate.
Use professional language to address the recruiter. Use Mr or Ms
followed by the person's last name.
If you do not know the last name of the person, you can address
him/her as sir or ma'am. Make sure that you sound courteous and
polite.

13. Stay calm and positive

Did you know your voice reflects your mood? Try your best to sound
relaxed and confident during the interview, even if you are not.
Ever heard the phrase - 'Fake it till you make it'?

Speak at a slow pace and be clear so that the interviewer can

understand what you are saying.
Sitting in a comfortable position without any distractions will help you
focus on the conversation.

14. Smile, please ☺️

Do not forget to smile. Yes, we know the recruiter cannot see you, but
it will reflect in your voice and will certainly make you feel confident
and positive about yourself.

15. Thank the interviewer

Before hanging up, do remember to thank the interviewer for his time
and consideration.

Do not hesitate to reiterate your motivation for the job and your
interest in the company.
Give your best during the telephonic interview as it will pave the way
for further interactions with the recruiter.
 Things to avoid in a telephonic interview
 Do not reschedule the call a few hours before the scheduled
time unless there is an emergency. It will send out a negative
impression.
 Do not eat, drink, or smoke while taking the interview. Make
sure to have a bite and a glass of water before beginning the interview.
 If you make use of a laptop during the call, keep the sound of
your typing in check. Do not type hurriedly.
 Do not make comments on personal life unless asked.
 Do not use unnecessary everyday words and phrases such as
'you know', 'umm', 'let's see', 'whatever' while talking to the
interviewer.
 Do not take an interview while driving or on the road. If you
are out, let the recruiter know the same and politely ask for the next
available time for the call.
 Do not put the interviewer on hold. This will make you appear
casual about the interview.
 Lastly, do not worry. Keep calm and carry on! ☺️