Telephonic Interview - Important facts

Telephonic interview is becoming more popular nowadays. Thanks to the communication technology that helped people to get connected beyond the geographical barriers. Telephonic interview is conducted mainly in the following circumstances.

  • When the employer wishes to shortlist the candidates before the next round of interview, especially when the number of applicants is high.
  • When the candidate is applying for an overseas job.
  • When the communication skill of the candidate, not the other personality traits, is important for the job.

    In most of the telephonic interviews, the interviewer might not have met the candidates before, or he/she will be talking to them for the first time. As such, the telephonic interview becomes a crucial testing environment for the candidates. More effort is required to express their feelings and ideas through telephonic conversation than a face-to-face communication. There are more chances that a candidate is rejected even if he/she is perfectly fit for the job.

    Here are a few guidelines that help those candidates avoid the unexpected letdowns in a telephonic interview.

  • Have good presence of mind. Remember that you are not in front of the interviewer. Any slight disorientation might make the person at the other end confused. Be attentive to what the interviewer is asking and think twice before speaking out.
  • Maintain an average speed. Good communication skill does not demand a super fluency. Even if you are a slow speaker, you can communicate effectively. Effective communication rather means elocution and appropriate use of words and concise ideas. Never be too lengthy or too short in your answers. Avoid mono-syllable answers.
  • Keep a copy of your resume that you have sent to the employer in front of you while attending the telephonic interview. If possible, get a copy of other details such as the information about the company, job responsibilities, etc. Keep all these information handy as soon as you get the intimation from the company on your telephonic interview.
  • When you address the interviewer, use his/her first name or use Mr. before the last name.
  • If you are talking to a foreigner, be slow and clear. If you don't understand his/her accent, express your concern and ask him/her to slow down a little. This would be a better idea than misinterpreting the speaker because of his difficult tongue.
  • Make sure that you conclude the conversation appropriately. Before disconnecting your phone, always confirm from the other side that the interview is over.
  • Don't lose your heart at any point during the interview even if you are not satisfied with your presentation. Remember that the interviewer is not able to judge your weaknesses other than the speech expression, and so be confident to proceed further. It is possible to regain the lost confidence by improving in the later part.
  • Do a review after every interview. Note down the important pluses and minuses of your communication. If possible, discuss your experience with your friends or seniors to get a second opinion from them.

    Ready to crack your next round of interview?