Career Center – Telephone interview

Companies often use this selection procedure to shortlist candidates before the face-to-face interviews. The interviewer will, in particular, assess your interpersonal skills (communication and social skills, behaviour in unfamiliar situations). As a rule, the date and time for the telephone interview are arranged in advance. If the company calls without warning and at an inconvenient time for you, simply ask for a new appointment. The advantage of a telephone interview is that you can have your documents to hand and refer to them if necessary. The disadvantage is that you cannot make use of the persuasive power of your in-person presence.

Things to bear in mind:

• Try to smile even before you answer the phone. This will help you come across as positive over the phone.
• Adopt an upright posture (either sitting or standing, whichever you prefer).
• Choose a quiet room (close the windows and door, switch off your mobile phone, etc.).
• Make sure you have all the documents and other information to hand for reference, e.g.
  • Pen and paper
  • CV and cover letter
  • Job advertisement
  • Name of the person you are speaking to
  • Key company data and facts.
• Make an impression with compelling content and your voice.
• For further information, see, for example, staufenbiel.de