Management 14 Practicum

MODULE 2

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

The telephone is a very common office equipment that is also the most commonly misused by
employees and trainee. Telephone interviews are often conducted by employers in the initials
interview round of the hiring process, this type of interview allows an employer to screen candidate`s
experience, qualifications, and salary expectations pertaining to the position and the company.

How to Handle telephone interview

1. Research and plan your telephone interview-be prepared. Its normal to be nervous before a
telephone interview, but it will really help if you know you`re done the groundwork.
2. Practice before the interview – Practice makes perfect. Any experience you have of using the
phone in a professional context will help.
3. Control your environment – Turn off the telly. Let your housemates know what`s going on and
ask them to leave the room.
4. Stay Calm . – Answer clearly and at a reasonable pace. If you`re asked a tricky question, take
time to think -you can always say something like “let me just reflect on that foe a moment; to
buy time.
5. Be professional- answer the phone professionally. Good morning. , Juan Dela Cruz speaking,
should do the trick. Address your interviewer as Miss, Mrs. Or Mr., Unless invited to use his or
her first name.
6. Remember this is only the preliminary round – Do ask questions at end, but this is not the time
for a discussion about salary, training and start dates.
7. Take notes – If you can, jot down notes during the interview or write down what you can
remember about the questions and your answer immediately.

Helpful Tips and Sample Questions

Before presenting yourself for the recruitment interview simulation, it is important to prepare a
well -written curriculum vitae or resume with a clear and good 2”x2” colored photograph. Prior to the
recruitment interview, it is good to check on your grooming and hygiene. Hygiene pertains to how you
take good care of your body, e.g. hair, breath, body odor, skin, fingernails and toenails, feet, ears, and
body and facial hair. On the other hand, grooming pertains to how you present yourself before others,
e.g., wardrobe, accessories, jewelry, make-up, cologne, or perfume.

Upon meeting face-to-face with your interviewer, it is important to greet him or her warmly
with a pleasant smile and a normal courteous greeting, e.g., Good morning, sir or Good morning
ma’am.” Never make a mistake on the gender salutation and the greeting according to the time of the
day. You say “Good morning” before 12 noon. From 12 noon, but before 6:00 p.m., you say “Good
afternoon.” Beyond 6:00 pm, you say “Good evening.”

Extend your hand for a warm and brisk handshake. A good handshake is neither too tight nor
too light. This gesture can be very tricky. A very tight handshake could break the hand of a lady
interviewer, while a light handshake may be construed as being a reluctant interviewee. Make sure that
your palm is not sweaty, rough, or sticky. This may make the interviewer feel uneasy and turned off.

During the entire interview, avoid mannerism such as scratching any part of your body (head,
chin, hands ,nose or ears), playing with objectives (e.g. pen, hair, jewelry, pad, or notebook), looking at
the ceiling or window, picking your nose, eyes, or ears, folding arms, clutching your handkerchief, bag
or cellular phone, pointing a finger, clenching your fist, biting your lips, pouting , or any grouchy
behavior. It is always advisable to look straight into the eyes of the interviewer. A good eye contact
gives the impression that you are attentive, sincere, and relaxed.

The interview, which could last 10 to 15 minutes, is a quick snapshot of you . The RIS
interviewer simulates what could possibly happen in a real job interview in a company or organization.
So, be prepared for the unexpected like interruptions, petty accidents, biases, long waiting time, and
others. The interviewer will most likely ask somewhere between 8 and 15 questions. It will depend on
how interesting the conversation is and how quick you respond to the questions. Always speak in a
loud voice and moderate speed. Here are some sample questions. Always speak in a loud voice and
moderate speed. Here are some sample questions, which you can practice with your friend , classmate
or family members.

 Can you say something about yourself?

 What is your course? What is your School? Why did you choose this course?
 What are your achievements in college? Or What achievements are you most proud of?
 Do you feel comfortable in your seat?
 Can you tell me something about your school? Can you tell me something about your family?
 What is the worst experience you had in your life?
 What is your greatest fear?

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ACTIVITY:

Instructions: The Practicum Coordinator shall act as a Human Resource Officer who will be interviewing
prospective applicants. Ten (10) students shall be assign per day whereby the Practicum Coordinator
shall conduct a telephone interview. It is expected that assigned students shall be prepared for this.