How to negotiate a higher salary during an interview. How to have a telephone interview How to issue a confirmation of invitation

A telephone interview, as a rule, is a preliminary selection stage on the way to an in-person interview and obtaining the coveted position. Just like clothing, based on the results of a telephone interview, the employer forms a primary impression of the applicant, and it is this, as we know, that plays a big role in making a hiring decision. Therefore, if you really want to find a job, be sure to understand all the intricacies and nuances of a telephone conversation.

Features of a telephone interview

“Why do you need an oral interview at all?” - you ask. and you will be absolutely right, because to understand how to behave, you need to understand the essence of the process itself. A telephone interview is the second stage of selection after reviewing the resumes of all candidates. It allows you to save time for both the applicant and the employer, because some important points can be clarified during a correspondence conversation.

The format of a telephone interview can be different: with some personnel officers you agree on a time to talk in advance, and some take you by surprise, offering to answer several questions right now. Don't forget that you can always ask to reschedule your conversation because you're busy at the moment and breathe in and out a couple of times after hanging up. Such sudden calls are often made with one sole purpose - to take you by surprise and hear exclusively truthful answers. But you can’t be free forever!

Another important feature is that during a telephone interview, your conversation may be hampered by various extraneous noises and interference, because a recruiter’s call can catch you at any moment. That is why the ability to politely refuse and reschedule a conversation is necessary for any person trying to find his niche in the labor market.

Interviews conducted by telephone are usually very time-limited. It rarely takes more than fifteen to twenty minutes, and sometimes even less. Therefore, it will be very important for you, as an applicant, to find a balance between brevity and information content, objectively talking only about the most important and valuable for the employer.

Of course, any sober-minded employer understands that it will not be possible to give a comprehensive and objective assessment of your business qualities during a telephone conversation. But you shouldn’t neglect this stage with the thought “he still doesn’t see me”: a telephone interview can provide the recruiter with additional information about the candidate in addition to the data from the resume, such as motivation, communication skills, salary expectations and much more. If any of these points fundamentally contradict the employer’s ideas about the future employee, then, most likely, you will be turned away.

In the case of remote personnel selection, a telephone interview is generally the only possible means. Working via the Internet, freelancing - employment in this area does not require face-to-face meetings. True, in our age of high technology, a telephone interview is conducted via Skype and is essentially equivalent to a regular one. But it’s a sin not to take advantage of such features as the ability to use “cheat sheets” or a homely environment!

If you called...

In some situations, you are the one who calls the person conducting the interview. As a rule, this happens in cases where a vacancy advertisement is posted and a contact telephone number is indicated. In this situation, you have an obvious advantage on your side - you can calmly prepare for the conversation and conduct it at the best.

In order for the conversation to go well, first of all, you should set yourself up in a businesslike manner. This is why calling from the bathroom or from bed is unacceptable - you will be too relaxed, and attempts to mix work and personal space will lead to nothing good at all. It’s better to sit down at your workplace; you should have a notepad, pen or computer ready in case you urgently need to write down or look at something. It is also better for the vacancy announcement and resume to be in front of your eyes - what if you need to answer some question?

After carefully studying the proposal, prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask the employer. Ask your family not to disturb you and do not be distracted by TV or social media. As you talk, make notes about the key points of this work. If you have to communicate with several organizations, then it is best to summarize and structure the information received as a result of each conversation, because what now seems memorable and simple may later be forgotten. So try to write down all the most important details: job title, contact person, expected responsibilities and working conditions.

Before calling about a vacancy that interests you, try to understand what kind of employee the employer would like to see. Find words that will help you explain why your experience and business qualities are good, and why you should be hired. In addition to your direct interest in the position, you will also demonstrate self-presentation and persuasion skills.

At the beginning of the conversation, be sure to introduce yourself, name the vacancy you are interested in and state the purpose of the call. It is better to build a story about yourself in accordance with the structure of a typical resume: biographical information, education, professional experience, business and personal qualities, additional skills. Remember to speak calmly, confidently and kindly.

Common mistakes

There are a number of mistakes that applicants tend to make when conducting a telephone interview. They are very often associated with the personal characteristics of the applicant or with the usual ignorance of the specifics of the recruiter’s thinking. But it is mistakes that speak most eloquently about our shortcomings. So, what is a list of the most common telephone interview mistakes?

No expressions of interest
Motivation is one of the main parameters that is assessed by the employer during a telephone conversation with the applicant. And if you speak in a dull and sluggish voice, and the offer to ask questions only causes you to become stupefied, then there is a high probability that you simply will not get to the face-to-face meeting - the employer will think that you are not at all interested in the vacancy.
Speech rate is too fast or too slow
Of course, our manner of speaking in one way or another reflects the characteristics of our temperament and character, but it is also necessary to take into account the interlocutor. Agree, no one wants to talk to either a machine gun or a lazily mooing cow - all these features are subconsciously interpreted by our brain as an indicator of mental ill-being. This is why you will need control over your own speech rate.
Overly formal voice
Yes, yes, oddly enough, but excessive severity and “starchiness” of a voice can just as likely alienate a recruiter as laxity mixed with amorphousness. This is because an overly formal voice creates a feeling of unnaturalness and insincerity, which can arouse unnecessary suspicion in the person conducting the telephone interview.
Fatigue Another typical mistake of a novice applicant. Surely, you are immediately calling several organizations that have posted their vacancy announcements. Somewhere you will be refused, somewhere you will be rude, somewhere you will be ignored - and now your voice has absorbed all those negative emotions, the charge of which you received shortly before the telephone interview. And fatigue tends to color your voice in the most unpresentable tones: resentment, excessive respect or the intonation of a broken record. Do you think such a person would be of interest to a potential employer?
Lack of preparation for an interview
Of course, there are situations when a recruiter calls you back unexpectedly and wants to talk right away. However, you can prepare for this, for example, before calling the organization, study all the information about it or ask the recruiter to call you back in five minutes. After all, you may need some basic time to tune into a business conversation and remember why you are the best candidate for the vacant position.
Unpunctuality
Even those who have never looked for a job know that it is forbidden to be late, including for a telephone conversation. But for some reason, the majority of our fellow citizens, with enviable persistence, continue to be late, and not by the etiquette-permissible fifteen minutes, but by an hour, two, three, or even the whole day. The funny thing is that excuses for unpunctuality often turn out to be even crazier than being late itself. For example, an employee does not answer the recruiter's calls for two hours, and then justifies it by saying that she is sleeping alone and no one can wake her up. Both laughter and sin!
Wrong approach to job search
There are two common losing positions that many job seekers take during a phone interview. They are called “supplicant” and “treasure”. The position of the “petitioner” is characterized by timidity, ingratiation, gentleness and subordination. No one has any desire to communicate with such a person, especially the employer. The second position is characterized by royalty, condescension and snobbery - your voice seems to be telling the recruiter: “Hey, you should be glad that a real treasure called your phone!” Both extremes are associated with an attitude that sits deep inside us: looking for or asking for a job is a shame! Although, in fact, this is a deeply absurd statement - aren’t you ashamed when you are looking for a suitable apartment?

This is a typical list of mistakes made by job seekers during telephone interviews. Of course, it can be expanded and supplemented with equally colorful examples. Recruiters sometimes tell things that make your hair stand on end, and only one question remains in your head: “Are these sane people?” Unfortunately, for some applicants, the interview becomes such a huge stress that they simply “break down” and make idiotic mistakes. Do not join their number, but prepare in advance for possible “unpleasant” surprises, and you will be able to pass any test.

Secrets of success

Your telephone “meeting” is about to begin, but you don’t know how to get through this test with flying colors? Calm and only calm! Try to get rid of the idea that an interview is extremely stressful. Yes, this is in some way an exam, but not only for you, but also for the employer, because you are also checking the vacancy for compliance with your requirements. And don’t forget that normal recruiters at the telephone interview stage only reject completely unsuitable candidates. So to successfully complete this stage of professional selection, you just need to pull yourself together, and we will tell you how to do this.

When communicating with a potential employer (or recruiter), the features of your behavior are very important: rate of speech, intonation, choice of words, etc. ... Based on them, the interlocutor will most likely try to draw up your personal portrait. Therefore, it is very important to monitor your communication style: use only a calm and friendly tone. When starting a conversation, know who you are talking to and pronounce the other person's name correctly.

A few words about the manner of speaking. Even though the other person can't see you, body language plays an important role in how your communication goes. Therefore, smile - a smile is always reflected in your voice. And don't do anything you wouldn't do in private: smoke, put your feet up on the table, eat or drink. Never interrupt your interlocutor or try to finish his sentences for him, no matter how important what you want to say is - usually this only causes irritation. Be friendly and friendly - employers really don’t like people who are always unhappy with everything (but who likes them?). Don't raise your voice or show disappointment - it's better to think it over calmly later.

You are probably interested in the questions that the recruiter will ask you - many applicants imagine that they will be very deep and intricate, and also aimed at studying all the ins and outs of a potential employee. Relax, it's not that bad! Of course, some recruiters can be very corrosive, but there are not many of them, and, as a rule, this begins to manifest itself only during a face-to-face meeting. Most of the questions asked of the candidate boil down to biographical facts. Don’t waste your time and answer only to the point, and about the constant muttering like: “Does my experience suit you?” or “Am I okay with you?” It's better to forget it altogether.

Many people are afraid of pauses in conversation, but we dare to assure you that you can use them to your advantage. If there is a moment of silence, talk about how much you like the potential employer’s company, what unique qualities and skills you have, or simply clarify some details about the vacancy. Try to find out as much as possible, because it is better to find out in advance about details that may ruin your desire to work in this organization.

Naturally, you want to make a favorable impression on the employer. And if so, then when talking with him it is better for you to start from the needs and desires of the person who will conduct the interview, and not from yours. Therefore, at the moment when you are asked to ask questions, first of all, inquire about your potential job responsibilities and requirements for working in this organization. If it seems to you that the job description does not correspond to the vacancy, do not rush to say goodbye and express your “feelings” to the recruiter, but rather think about everything in a calm atmosphere. Perhaps some other factors will come first - salary, career growth or working conditions.

Some interviews generally consist solely of questions asked by the applicant, and this is not surprising, because by what interests a person, you can get a good idea of his character and professional aspirations. A favorable impression is left by those who are interested in the specifics of the work to be performed in a new position: what the main tasks are, whether there are the tools necessary to complete them.

But you shouldn’t start your inquiries with salary amounts - this will make you appear as a person who is not interested in anything but money. Although this issue should not be ignored either - a person who is not interested in remuneration for his work most likely has no professional value. It would also be a good idea to find out details about the organization offering you a job, especially if you are interested in something specific. And, by the way, don’t be shy to ask again, because if you don’t understand or hear something important, then calling back later with questions will be doubly stupid and awkward.

These are the main tricks and nuances of conducting a telephone interview. Remember that finding a job is a complex process, at every stage of which various surprises may await you, and it is simply impossible to prepare for them all. Therefore, the main thing is to remain calm and dignified. In the end, for a good employee there are no and cannot be insurmountable obstacles. And even if the interlocutor does not see you, you can still make a favorable impression on him and pass the interview - if you want.

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A telephone interview is the primary stage of selecting applicants for an open vacancy. We will tell you in this article how to properly invite for an interview by phone, prepare and conduct the interview.

From the article you will learn:

Why is the telephone interview format so popular?

Telephone interviews are used by employers as a preliminary stage in searching and hiring candidates. With minimal costs, except for time, they allow you to immediately weed out those applicants who clearly do not meet the requirements of the vacancy or corporate culture.

With candidates living in another locality or outside the city, conducting a telephone interview becomes a must if the company is not going to introduce them into unnecessary expenses and spoil its image. For positions that require remote work, this method of interviewing an applicant may be the only option.

The multi-stage candidate selection process can take up to three weeks. But already at the telephone interview stage, an experienced recruiter will be able to assess the critical thinking and interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication. By culling less qualified applicants, you narrow the pool of candidates while improving the quality of those remaining and saving time spent on .

Telephone interviews have another advantage. In a telephone conversation, the interviewer is not distracted by external factors and focuses on the meaning of what the interlocutor is saying. This allows you to form a deeper, more holistic portrait of the candidate and an objective one.

This is an interview that you need to prepare for in advance, whether you are the recruiter conducting the initial interview or the hiring manager making the final decision. You need to know not only how to properly invite someone for a telephone interview, but also how to correctly interpret his answers to your questions.

Vera Mukhina answers,

HR Director at ENKOR.

Typical picture: HR conducts a face-to-face interview with a candidate and realizes that this could not have been done. There is a formal circumstance due to which the applicant is clearly not suitable. Moreover, this circumstance could have been learned at the stage of telephone screening...

How to invite for an interview by phone?

Rules of business etiquette suggest that the candidate must be given time to prepare for the conversation with the recruiter. Therefore, there should be two phone calls from the company:

You agree on a time when it will be convenient to answer your questions and specify whose call will be outgoing - yours or the applicant's.
The interview itself is over the phone.

In both cases, you should remember and follow the basic rules of business communication accepted in the modern business environment. By following these rules, you will create a good first impression of the company and increase its prestige.

How to invite for an interview by phone (example)

Good day, Sergey. My name is Natalya, I am the HR manager at Alfa company. We have received your resume for the position "" and are ready to conduct a preliminary interview by phone. Now would it be convenient for you to give me a couple of minutes and agree on a time for it?

When will it be convenient for you to answer my questions about your resume? Which is more convenient for you - will you call us yourself or wait for a call from us?

Fine. So, we agreed that you will call us on the 15th, Monday, at 10:00. I remind you that my name is Natalya, I will be waiting for a call from you at the appointed time. Thank you. Goodbye and have a nice day.

Note! An invitation to a telephone interview is an example when the applicant himself sets the time for the conversation - also a way to check his commitment and punctuality.

How to conduct a telephone interview?

The result of a competent telephone interview will be the right decision - whether this applicant is suitable for your company and whether he meets the requirements of the vacancy. To conduct an interview with a good result, the recruiter must get an idea of the interlocutor’s experience and skills. To do this, he must know when to ask questions and when to listen carefully to the answers.

If during the telephone interview it becomes clear that the applicant may be suitable, the recruiter’s task is to interest the interlocutor in this vacancy. Therefore, a good recruiter provides information about the company based on his motivations, goals and career aspirations. This means that at the beginning of the conversation you need to find out as much as possible about the interlocutor before telling him about the employer.

When inviting an applicant to an initial interview by telephone, the recruiter has the right to decide for himself how to conduct it. The advice that can be given to him is often similar to that received by candidates awaiting such an interview:

Prepare in advance. Find out as much as possible about the interlocutor before the interview; use social networks for this. Study the job description, prepare questions, the answers to which will show whether the interlocutor meets the established professional criteria.
Ensure it is quiet and free from distractions. Do not announce the invitation to a telephone interview or the interview itself and do not conduct it “on the run”, in a noisy place, while traveling on public transport, etc. During the conversation, do not be distracted - do not answer calls, do not check email. A calm, continuous conversation will help you better concentrate, hear and understand each other.
Don't talk too much or quickly. Follow the general principles of conducting an interview - ask questions, do not allow the interlocutor to be distracted by details while answering, listen to them carefully.
Be prepared for unexpected questions. Just like the candidates themselves, they never know when a non-standard question will be asked. If you are prepared for such a situation, you will be able to answer any tricky question correctly.
Tell the candidate about next steps. This must be done when completing a telephone interview. This will eliminate unnecessary calls and emails with questions from the applicant. Conclude by thanking them for their time and letting you know when you will call to report the results of your interview.

If the question arises about how to refuse an applicant after a telephone interview, do not use the phrase “You are not suitable for us,” even though it reflects the true state of affairs. Be clear about the reasons for the refusal, but remember that you may be required to justify it in writing if discrimination is suspected.

Telephone interview, example of a conversation between an employer and a rejected candidate

Unfortunately, we only had one vacancy. Based on the interview results, you took second place, so we cannot hire you now. But, if you don’t mind, we will leave your information in our database and, if a similar vacancy appears, we will contact you again.

Question answer

Ksenia Shukshina answers,

ex-HR director of the Umnitsa company.

Two months ago, the HR service selected a new head of the production planning department. Then everyone was happy with the candidate, but now they have to fire him with a scandal...

Telephone interview: questions and answers

Some of the most popular questions asked during telephone interviews that help assess the personal and professional qualities of candidates include:

Tell me a little about yourself?
What prompted you to apply for this position?
How would you describe your working style?
What information that would help me get to know you better is not included on your resume?
What is the most important skill you learned in your last job? What competencies would you like to improve?
Tell us about the biggest challenges you faced in your previous job.
Why do you want to change jobs?
Which of the three deceased celebrities would you like to have dinner with and why?

It will be easy for the candidate to answer the first question; it will help him both relax and concentrate. He will likely mention something that he considers important, and this can be used to guide the direction of the conversation.

The answer to the second question will show how adequately the candidate assesses himself and his capabilities. It will also show how sincerely he is interested in the job. You need someone who is interested in solving the challenges of the proposed position. The candidate's answer to the third question will indicate whether his or her work style is appropriate for the position being offered.

Question four will show that you are interested in his personality beyond what was stated in the resume. This will force him not to rely on the information that has been given, and to think about what else are his strengths. The continuation of this topic will be the answer to question number five.

The presence of problems, if they are indicated in the answer to question six, is a good sign. This means that a person sees them and can offer solutions. The answer to question seven will indicate whether working for your company will satisfy the candidate. The answer to question number eight will help you evaluate the candidate's list of influential people and hear about the reasons why they inspire him.

A telephone interview is a good way to conduct a preliminary assessment of an applicant at minimal cost. The better you can prepare for the interview, the more objective your assessment will be.

Your resume has been compiled, jobs have been selected, cover letters have been written, and you are looking forward to meeting your potential employer in person. However, while waiting for an invitation to an interview, you should not forget about one more possible test - a telephone interview. How to make a positive impression on a recruiter even before visiting the office?

Pros and cons of a telephone interview
It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times, says popular wisdom. This is why a telephone interview when recruiting personnel is the exception rather than the rule: most recruiters prefer a detailed personal meeting to a short telephone conversation. It is no coincidence that an interview is often compared to a first date: where else, if not at an interview or on a date, can you evaluate a person from all sides? The way you dress, the way you carry yourself - all this is very valuable information for a professional hiring manager.

And yet, telephone interviews occupy a worthy place in recruiting practice. Most often, it does not replace, but only precedes a traditional meeting in the office: before inviting a candidate for an interview, the HR manager asks him a few questions over the phone and after that makes a decision about inviting him to a face-to-face meeting.

According to the Research Center of the recruiting portal website, the vast majority of recruiters (91%) use telephone interviews when recruiting personnel, with 50% - in certain cases, and 41% - always. “I tell the applicant about the working conditions and answer his questions - laying the foundation for a future meeting”; “A preliminary assessment is necessary before deciding whether to invite you for an interview”; “As a rule, this saves time for both parties if we are not suitable for each other”; “I work in regional recruitment, and it’s simply impossible to do without a telephone interview,” HR officers share their experience of conducting telephone interviews. Only 9% of HR managers do not practice telephone interviews at all.

A communication tool such as Skype is also widely used by recruiters. According to the Research Center of the recruiting portal website, 28% of domestic employers conduct interviews via Skype, and another 19% are planning to introduce this practice. In their opinion, this method is indispensable if the applicant lives in another city or, for a number of reasons (for example, has not yet quit his previous job) is not able to come to the office. In addition, Skype, like the telephone, is often used to conduct preliminary interviews.

There are many advantages to a telephone interview. Firstly, it saves time for the applicant and the recruiter. Why spend two hours traveling to the office if in the first five minutes of negotiations it turns out that the vacancy is not suitable for the candidate, and the candidate is not suitable for the company? Secondly, in conditions of territorial remoteness (for example, if a company is looking for a regional representative), they also save money on travel. Finally, a preliminary telephone interview is convenient from a psychological point of view: this form of communication imposes fewer obligations on both the HR manager and the candidate.

True, a telephone interview also has disadvantages: the quality of communication is not always good, the conversation is short, etc. Nevertheless, the applicant must be mentally prepared for the fact that, before personally looking the employer in the eyes, he will have to go through this stage.

"I'm busy at the moment..."
So, when you see an unfamiliar number on your mobile phone screen, get ready for the fact that you may have to talk with a recruiter, and not only arrange a meeting, but also answer some questions.

If you are riding on the subway or in an elevator, there are children or dogs around you; finally, if you are in the office of a company from which you have not yet quit, it is better to inform your interlocutor that it is impossible to continue the conversation. You shouldn’t try to be polite to a recruiter and, for example, drive a car at the same time. The interview, even though it is a telephone interview, requires concentration.

“Thank you for calling. Unfortunately, I'm busy at the moment and can't talk to you. When is the best time to call you back?” - such a maximally neutral text, without unnecessary details, will make it clear to the caller: this is a polite person familiar with business etiquette and the rules of telephone communication.

Pen, paper, money in the account...
So, all extraneous irritants have been eliminated and you are ready for a telephone conversation. Check if you have a pen and paper nearby to take notes. Disable the second communication line on your telephone. If you intend to talk on your mobile phone, check the availability of funds in your account so that your conversation is not interrupted at the most inopportune moment. You should prepare for a telephone interview in the same way as for a traditional one - you will have to present yourself, albeit in a slightly different form.

If you intend to talk on Skype, that is, using video communication, then you need to not only prepare yourself psychologically, but also get yourself in order. You don't have to wear a suit and tie, but a home jersey is also fine. A classic shirt or blouse in calm tones is quite suitable for this occasion.

Clear questions - specific answers
What questions might a recruiter ask during a preliminary telephone interview? As a rule, they specify the information contained in the resume about your professional experience, plans, skills and abilities. “Why did you decide to change company?”; “What offers are you interested in?”; “Isn’t the possibility of long working hours confusing?”; “Where do you live geographically?”; “Are you ready for business trips?”; “What salary are you expecting?” - most likely, the questions will require clear and precise answers that must be given without much reasoning and reflection.

When answering them, remember: usually the recruiter’s goal at this stage is not to create a detailed psychological portrait of you, but only to understand whether you are interested in the vacancy and whether it is worth inviting you to a personal meeting. So refrain from anything that takes the conversation away from your work experience and interest in the company.

In your answers, be as specific as possible, leave the details of your biography and a description of the thorny path to professional heights for a traditional interview. A telephone conversation implies a significantly greater information richness. Remember that brevity is the sister of talent, however, excessive laconicism, dryness and monosyllabic answers to questions are unacceptable.

Typically, the recruiter also considers it his duty to talk about the company and the vacancy. Do not hesitate to ask a few questions about future work and responsibilities - thereby you will once again demonstrate your interest and also receive useful information. Leave finding out the details for later; the main thing is to find out as much information as possible about the vacancy. After all, you can always get detailed information about the company from the Internet.

Do not miss the opportunity to call your interlocutor at least once by name or by name and patronymic (depending on how he introduced himself). Remember: psychologists believe that calling a person by name always attracts him to you. When you hear the name of the recruiter, immediately write down this information on paper to prevent annoying mistakes later.

When the conversation ends, the recruiter will most likely offer you a further interaction scheme: either he will invite you to the office for a personal meeting, or he will inform you that you do not fully correspond to the vacancy. Thank you for the call, for your interest and your time. And if you are invited to a traditional interview, clarify the details - where and when it will take place, how best to get to the meeting place.

Good luck with your interview – both telephone and in person!

Are you afraid of a telephone interview? You just don't know how to "cook" it. 10 simple rules will help you express yourself at your best.

1. Provide normal conditions for conversation

No matter how obvious this advice may seem, it is one of the key ones when preparing for a telephone interview. Warn your loved ones, turn off the sound on other phones and electronic devices that may interrupt your conversation with notifications.

2. Don't be afraid to move the conversation

Your conversation should take place in a calm and comfortable environment. The wrong time and place alone can ruin your interview. If possible, try to clearly agree on the time of your telephone conversation. However, if this was not possible, and the call caught you at an inconvenient moment, for example, while driving a car or at a meeting, it is better not to try to get out of it and immediately ask to reschedule the conversation. As a rule, HR people at the beginning of the conversation ask if it is convenient for you to talk now and your answer is “Will it be convenient for you if I call you back in 20 minutes?” or “Can we move our conversation 10 minutes?” would be quite acceptable in such a situation.

3. Think of short answers

A telephone interview usually lasts less than a face-to-face interview, so your answers should be even more concise. Think in advance what you will say in response to the most common questions: why do you want this job? why are you the best candidate? what are your strengths? etc. It is best to prepare 3-4 short phrases for each question. Too short answers like “yes” or “no” will also be inappropriate and will push the employer to end the conversation quickly.

4. Prepare cheat sheets

Please have your resume, cover letter and job description in front of you. Also, take advantage of the fact that your interlocutor cannot see you - prepare materials that will help you answer questions. This could be a portfolio of your projects, reports on your work, or even information about the company. You'll likely be asked questions about these topics, and answering them will be much easier if you have everything at hand. At the same time, don't overload your desk with papers. Prepare only the essentials so you don't waste time or create pauses while you rummage through piles of documents.

5. Get yourself organized

Unlike a regular interview, a telephone interview does not give you the opportunity to express yourself using body language, and the main impression will be formed by your voice. Even the most intelligent things you say will be lost if you mumble, speak unclearly or are too relaxed. To get ready and focus better before the interview, put yourself in “working form” - go to the shower, get dressed, comb your hair, sit at the table. This psychological life hack will give you confidence and help you be more focused.

6. Smile

This is another trick that will help you create a positive impression. With a smile, your voice will sound livelier and more energetic, and accordingly, it will show your interest and enthusiasm.

7. Tune in to the wavelength of your interlocutor

Try to grasp the pace and manner of speech of your potential employer from the first words of the conversation. If he speaks calmly and quietly, then you should not jabber, thereby creating psychological discomfort for the interlocutor. If the pace and sound of his speech is fast and loud, add cheerfulness to your tone. Remember that in this situation your speech is an extremely important element of success.

8. Set aside distractions

Take your phone interview seriously. Don't check your email or scroll on social networks. The interlocutor will definitely hear that you are not concentrated on the conversation. Additionally, you may not catch or misunderstand the questions. To help you concentrate better, have a piece of paper ready and take notes as you talk.

9. Don't be shy to ask about next steps.

If you feel that the interview has come to an end, but the interlocutor has not said what the next steps will be, do not hesitate to ask this question. Politely ask when you can expect results and ask how and when it would be convenient to contact him.

10. Write a thank you letter

After the conversation, send your interlocutor a letter of gratitude. In it, briefly describe again what this job means to you and why you think you would be the best fit for the company. This will reinforce the positive impression of your conversation and help you stand out from other candidates.

Every person seeking to find a suitable job must know and understand the business schemes of interaction with potential employers. After the candidate has correctly compiled his resume and sent it to the desired positions, he awaits an invitation for an interview. If the employer is interested in your resume, he will definitely get in touch.

And when an invitation to an interview has arrived, the applicant must confirm the meeting, usually in a letter. And prepare for the coveted interview. How should you respond to an invitation to an interview? Should I respond immediately or should I wait? We will tell you in our article.

Confirmation of the invitation is your official consent to the meeting and interest in cooperation. How to answer correctly so as to interest the employer?

To begin with, it is worth noting that you should not give consent instantly. Wait half a day before writing a response. The HR specialist will get the impression that you are a serious, busy person. Thus, if you receive a letter during the day, you should respond to an invitation to an interview in the evening. And if the invitation came at the end of the working day, give an answer the next morning. At the same time, you will have time to think again about whether you are really interested in this job. If there is something in the invitation that is not clear to you, do not hesitate to call back and clarify.

How to confirm an invitation?

After a potential employer has sent you a letter with the date and time of an upcoming meeting, you need to confirm receipt of the letter and inform that you are ready for the meeting at the specified time. Your letter must be serious. Avoid familiarity.

Sample

Hello, Ivan Ivanovich!

Thank you for the invitation. I will be glad to come to your office at such and such a time (indicate dates and times that are convenient for you. If already offered, confirm the meeting at the appointed time).

Sincerely,

Full name, telephone

Dear Sergey!

I have received and read your letter. I am very grateful to you for the invitation. I will be at the interview at the appointed time.

Date, signature

Hello... (sender's name)!

Thank you for the invitation to the interview. I carefully studied the information provided about the company and the vacancy (if the letter contained a detailed description or links to the company website and the vacancy). I'm interested in your proposal. I am ready to meet with you... (indicate the date previously discussed).

Best regards, (your name)! (telephone and other means of communication)

“We respect (the name of the person to whom you are writing a response)! I received your letter. I confirm the meeting on (date, time). Thanks a lot for the invitation. Sincerely, (your name, date, signature)

How to give a negative answer to an employer's invitation to an interview?

If you are not satisfied with one or more points in the job offer, then you should give a negative answer that you refuse the meeting. You shouldn’t leave “in English.” A written refusal will show your business side and perhaps the employer will offer you more favorable employment conditions. One way or another, a well-mannered person will definitely answer that the offer is no longer interesting to him.

Sample refusal

“Hello, (name of the person you are replying to),

I have received your invitation, but I cannot accept it at the moment. The fact is that I am not entirely satisfied (Here list all the points that cause you doubts). I am counting on (Here list your conditions under which you are ready for employment). I look forward to our further cooperation. Sincerely, (Your name, surname, signature and date)"

If you change your mind, try to correctly indicate the reason for the refusal.

Good afternoon, (name of the person who contacted you)! I have carefully studied your proposal and at the moment I am forced to refuse the meeting because:

I have decided to stay at my old job;

I have already received a job offer and I have given my consent;

At the moment, I do not need to look for a new job;

Due to personal reasons, my job search is currently on hold.

Be sure to clarify the following points:

Date, place and time of the interview;

What documents do you need to have with you?

Who will the meeting be held with?

Specify the name and telephone number of the employee who can be contacted in case of unexpected situations.

If you are invited for a telephone interview

You received a long-awaited call from the company you wanted to work for. The recruiter may call you not only to invite you for an interview, but also to conduct a telephone interview to begin with. During your telephone conversation, the recruiter will probably ask questions about your professional experience, knowledge, and will also understand how well you can conduct business conversations and the degree of your adequacy in general. If the answers satisfy the recruiter, you will definitely be invited to a personal meeting. Please note that during the telephone conversation you also have the opportunity to ask questions. And it's worth using it. Be sure to write down all the information provided by the recruiter.

If an unknown employer calls you. Then you should first listen carefully to the proposal, ask how they knew that you were looking for a job, and ask questions that interest you. Don't hesitate to ask again if you don't understand something.

As a rule, HR specialists duplicate all the information previously voiced in an email. But just in case, check this point. Once you understand that all the important criteria have been met for you and the offers are interesting to you, you should give a positive response about the meeting. You should not go beyond the agreed period, if such have been announced.

And so now you know how to write a letter confirming an interview. Have faith in yourself and start preparing for the interview. And we wish you successful employment and the job of your dreams!