• minimal cost to the company


• a relatively quick process and involves less effort than face to face evaluations


• a standardized list of key questions can be used


• can be delegated to a more junior employee


• screens out obviously unqualified or unsuitable candidates

These job interviews require particular skills from the candidate. The interviewer cannot assess the appearance or manner of the candidate, they can only listen to your voice, to your answers and to the energy and attitude that you convey.

Few people get hired only on the basis of this initial telephone screening. The standardized key interview questions are designed to determine whether it is worthwhile to continue the process with the candidate.

The call may consist of a few quick questions or it may be a much longer evaluation. Whatever the format the candidate needs to successfully get through it to advance to the next step of the hiring process - the face-to-face job interview.

To present yourself in the most positive manner requires good organization and preparation beforehand. Thinking that you can "wing" the call will usually end in a poor result.

The very first step is to make sure the interviewer has all the necessary contact details for you. Your resume should include accurate contact information for you. List the numbers where you can be reached and indicate what time of day you will be available.

If you are going away and not going to be contactable for a period you should highlight this on your resume. Make contacting you as easy as possible.

Some people find this sort of interview easier than others, however it is simple to develop good interview techniques and skills that will set you up for success.