Phone interview

[pullhard]

Lads and Ladies,

I've got a phone interview tommorrow. I haven't had one of these in a while and am a little rusty. I've spend last week getting info about the company. What kind of questions are normally asked at phone interviews? Any tips or tricks?

[ziggysego]

Breath heavier.

[Square Ball]

Breath heavier.

and you know this how Ziggy 

[Rois]

I did one for the craic a few months ago.

It was a HR person doing the first interview, basically in the interests of not wasting the time of the partner who'd be doing the next stage.
Anyway, the headhunter told me to prepare for the following:
1. What are my current responsibilities and why do I want to leave my current job
2. Why do I want to work for that particular company
3. What could I bring to the company
4. What are my salary expectations

Now this was by no means a technical interview and conducted by someone who knew little about the intricacies of the job.  But she was there to basically make sure I was coherent, friendly and that conversation didn't have to be dragged out of me.  As per usual, have a question prepared, such as "do you have a regular appraisal process" and things like that, or "do you have a mentor system", especially if you know they do. 

[Tony Baloney]

Surely you'll be asked the same questions as face-to-face. Based on phone interviews I've been involved in I'd say you are at a disadvantage as they can be tough going for all concerned. Best of luck.

[tyroneboi]

Wear a suit!

[imtommygunn]

Largely dependent on the type of job surely...

Phone interview is usually part of a sifting process in my experience.

[attheraces]

I did three of these, first two were unsuccesful but last one I actually got. If it's a role your applying for which deals with customers a tricky one that seems to pop is always "tell me about a specific time you went beyond customer expectation" or other one is tell me a "specific time you exceeded expectations in your job role." Or if it's sales "tell me about a time when you acheived a target". When they ask tell me a time they are looking for specific situations so i would have a few of these noted down that you can rhyme off, don't generalise.
Have notes in front of you and take your time before you speak. It's better to wait 15 seconds (even if it seems awkward) and come out with a clear and precise answer rather than answer spontaneously and ramble on.

Have concise notes ready, specific situations to recall upon, talk clearly and take your time.

[tyssam5]

Have some porn open on your computer (volume down), you'll find it very relaxing!

[Bogball XV]

Have some porn open on your computer (volume down), you'll find it very relaxing!

mute it just to be safe.

[DickyRock]

Be ready to receive the phone call. Don't have them having to phone back.

Know what the company does, it only will take 10mins surfing to get enough detail. You are applying there so at least show some interest

[Rois]

Be ready to receive the phone call. Don't have them having to phone back.

Know what the company does, it only will take 10mins surfing to get enough detail. You are applying there so at least show some interest

You are replying here, at least show some interest 

Lads and Ladies,

I've got a phone interview tommorrow. I haven't had one of these in a while and am a little rusty. I've spend last week getting info about the company. What kind of questions are normally asked at phone interviews? Any tips or tricks?

[rashCharacter]

I was doing phone interviews for my company last week.

I suppose it depends on the type of job but basically the phone interview was to ensure that the candidate met the essential criteria in the job spec.
My advice would be to make sure you can demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria and as much of the desirable criteria as possible.  If you do then the next step is a face to face.

Expect questions on the essential criteria.

[Tony Baloney]

I was doing phone interviews for my company last week.

I suppose it depends on the type of job but basically the phone interview was to ensure that the candidate met the essential criteria in the job spec.
My advice would be to make sure you can demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria and as much of the desirable criteria as possible.  If you do then the next step is a face to face.

Expect questions on the essential criteria.

Why would you not gauge essential criteria from the application form?

[AZOffaly]

I was doing phone interviews for my company last week.

I suppose it depends on the type of job but basically the phone interview was to ensure that the candidate met the essential criteria in the job spec.
My advice would be to make sure you can demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria and as much of the desirable criteria as possible.  If you do then the next step is a face to face.

Expect questions on the essential criteria.

Why would you not gauge essential criteria from the application form?

Because people lie on the application forms.