[Elainep]

I found out this morning that I have a telephone interview next week, as I am still in the UK, anyone have any tips specifically for telephone based interviews?

[folubode]

All the best! Most of the times, it's a screening exercise.

[Elainep]

thanks, I've had the screening call already with the HR Manager (20 minutes), but the one next week is a proper competency based interview with a two person panel.

[marybelle]

We had telephone interview with a 3 person panel for the Probation Service..this is what we found/did.

The interview questions were based around the "person specification" which were advertised as part of the application. If you study these and have an answer or example of how you achieved the different criteria then you shouldn't go far wrong. We were not asked anything regarding our C.V or working history.
Our interviews lasted around an hour and it was rather informal/relaxed. Everyone introduced themselves and used first names. Due to the nature of our work we were also given a scenario to reply to.

Due to the time difference we had our interviews at 9pm which meant we were both quite tired which they understood.
Normally when you have an interview (especially with a Government Agency) you dress smart...we were both in our jim jams :D which meant we were comfy and relaxed.
Try and take the phone into a different room from the rest of the family to minimise interuptions. Have the usual pen and paper but also have notes so that you don't forget anything you want to tell them, make notes of the questions they ask you as I found that no sooner had I started answering I promptly forgot the question! I also found that a glass of water was handy.

We found that each panel memeber had different sets of questions to ask on specific areas of the person spec. They took it in turns and introduced themselves everytime it moved to them so that we knew who we were talking to.

There is a time delay on the phone, but you probably already know that if you have spoken with them before. I found that I had to concentrate to tune my ear into the accent. We had a Maori Council Representative on the panel and we struggled most with his accent.

Not sure what else to put except, relax, have faith in yourself and GOOD LUCK :clap If you what to know anything else just ask.

Marybelle

[TrentBridge]

I read on here about a week ago that someone recommended standing up and walking during a telephone interview. OH did this too when he had his and found it beneficial. I agree with the glass of water being handy and having relevant papers handy.

Good luck :nice1

[Elainep]

that's brilliant guys, thanks for the top tips, going to print them off and digest them :)

[tea drinker]

Speak slower than you would normally and try to smile as you answer (you sound warmer apparently) ;)

Good luck

[Hackswell]

Do NOT tell them you are still in your jammies. ;)

[Elainep]

yep, was going to keep that to myself!

[JandM]

Depends on the kind of pyjamas...

[CJ22]

Do it naked, see if that helps you relax. At least it'll be a talking point at dinner parties.

[elleann]

Good luck Elaine!

I had a telephonic interview last week on Thursday, and it was also fairly informal. I sat at my desk, surrounded by all my notes, and banished my kids from the area! It lasted about ten to fifteen minutes and at the end, they made me an on-the-spot offer! What was really cool was that it was for a more senior position than the one the agency had put me forward for, which meant higher salary, better hours and other fun perks! Since I had researched the facility, and since I knew what my other current job options were (and in my mind there was only one other serious competitor), I was able to give them an unreserved yes immediately. :-)

I'm sure you will do just fine!

[lockstock]

yep, was going to keep that to myself!

And if they start asking what you are wearing...hang up!

[JandM]

Congratulations, elleann! :nice1

[willow]

hi

I was interviewed via skype a couple of months ago. it was for a regional health related job.

the questions were pretty standard to be quite honest, things like - describe a situation were you have had to deal with a conflict, describe a situation were you have helped someone develop there role-appraisals etc. nothing really to do with the actual job itself. they asked me about the protecting the culture/heritage/ethnicity of Maori's in relation to the Treaty, nothing too challenging though.

skype was actually good, i had never used it before and had it set up especially for the interview. i had my PJ's on my bottom half and a smartish top on, it made me feel more relaxed! i also used the person specification and had a few prompt cards stuck up in front of me in case they asked me about something and i went blank.

the worst thing was understanding their accents! one lady had such a strong Kiwi accent that i had to ask her to repeat things 3-4 times (it felt really embarrassing).

I hope this helps. oh, by the way i didn't get the job as someone was interviewed just after me who had arrived from the uk 2 days before with the same qualifications and experience has me and she was actually over there and i was still in the process of applying for PR. Actually been in NZ for my area of work seems to be crucial which is why we are going ahead for PR without a job offer as the area we want to be in (Nelson) people just keep say to get over there and a job will be available! all seems to be done by word of mouth!

good luck and i can recommend the PJ's as interview attire!

willow