Telephone Interview Tips for IT Contractors

Many IT contractor interviews are initially telephone based, follow our tips to capitalise on your potential. A prospective employer will contact you to arrange a suitable time to call.

Be prepared

• We will tell you as much as we can about the company to prepare you, ensure you have this information and any additional research at hand
• Write out answers to possible questions so you have a prepared response
• Also have your CV within easy reach so you can use it as a guide for your discussion
• Have a notepad and pen handy to take notes or jot down points you wish to raise a question about
• Make sure your mobile has a full signal, enough battery and remember to turn off call waiting so there is no distraction
• Ensure you are not going to be disturbed and are in a quiet location
• Turn off any potential distractions such as a TV or stereo
• It is often helpful to be in front of a computer if you have to talk through a scenario as it will give you a visual recall and make it easier
• The first five minutes are crucial and your opportunity to make that all important first impression
• Be a good listener, taking notes of what is said and referring back to them when outlining your experience will stand you in good stead
• Use open ended questions, the more information you can gather the better your response will be

During the call, make sure you

• Smile, this will project positivity to the listener and change your tone of voice
• Use your voice to demonstrate your enthusiasm
• Sound confident, speaking slowly and clearly
• Have a glass of water at hand
• Always take the name of the person who is interviewing you and ensure you have the correct spelling and pronunciation.  It is always good manners to use the person’s name throughout the interview.  Always use their title and surname unless they say otherwise
• Know what the job is that you are being interviewed for
• Take time to collect your thoughts before answering
• Ask for clarification if necessary
• Give precise answers which are not too lengthy
• Ensure you can hear and be heard
• Concentrate on your strengths and not your negative points
• Stay focused, try not to detract from the point or question
• Finish on a positive note, showing your interest by asking thoughtful questions
• Always thank the person for their time
• Take notes so you know what was discussed including questions and answers given

And make sure you don’t

• Smoke, drink, eat or chew gum, it’s surprising what noises can be picked up
• Interrupt, let the recruiter complete his thought or question before you respond
• Cough down the phone, and if you must, apologise and excuse yourself
• Feel you have to fill in every silence, let the interviewer lead the conversation