I'm currently applying for jobs ready for when I graduate from University this summer. I have just had an email from company X saying they are very interested in conducting a telephone interview with me.

Now having never done this before I am unsure of the kinds of questions that will come my way, has anyone got any experience/tips they could offer.

Also the job pays far less that I was aiming for, roughly 33% less. Should I attempt to negotiate the salary if the interview appears to be going well or should I attempt to land the job on their terms? With the view to perhaps using it as a bargaining tool in future interviews?


Thanks,

Hobgob.

Do it standing up. Someone told me this and it does make everything feel much more dynamic.

Also, is this your primary interview, or just an initial screening?

Unknown at the moment, I would presume an initial screening due to it being a graduate position.

Yes I always stand up when I'm talking on the phone. Plan is to get a bit more company research done and make some notes/questions.

Hobgob.

A few tips:
* make sure you're comfortable
* make sure you're in a quiet place
* use a wired phone on your landline to help call clarity

* make sure you're comfortable - Check
* make sure you're in a quiet place - Check
* use a wired phone on your landline to help call clarity - Impossible

Keep them laid out for quick and easy reference during the interview, use the situation to your advantage. I would imagine you would meet people in person before being offered a job though.

Good luck.

Yeah I presume so, I guess this is to sort the men from the boys but its a start at least.

Thanks for the luck, I will need it!

Hobgob.

I've done a couple recently as part of my hunt for an industrial placement.

A few key things I attempt to do:

1. Make a conscious effort to talk slowly and clearly. I tend to talk quite quickly and mumble a bit, so by making an effort to speak slowly I hope I will be clearer and not splurt out a whole load of rubbish.
2. Follow their lead in terms of tone. Obviously, I start formal - but in both my phone interviews they became almost chatty towards the end, and I echoed that in my manner.
3. Make a conscious effort to pause before answering each question. Linked to number 1 - just to make sure I've considered my response, even if it is for just a second or two (although it feels like an age!!)

The technical questions I always find difficult - I don't think it's a great idea to go into immense detail because you risk rambling, and also might get caught out if they ask a question you don't know in quite as much detail.

RIght just rang them to confirm a time for my telephone interview. Standard questions, eligibility to work etc.

The woman on the phone asked me about my salary demands - i.e. do I want to continue with the application process. I said yes, but does this mean I can't negotiate it at all in either the telephone interview?

I'd let them offer you the job, ( decide they want you ) then negotiate you rate from a much stronger stand point.

The only difficulty with that Alun, is that when they offer you the job it's on the terms of employment which include the salary and that usually comes up in the interview process. At some stage during the process they will discuss the salary and then frame a question "how does that sound?" or "does that sound alright?" so make sure you have an answer to this worked out ahead of time, along with justifications (and if possible examples) of why you're worth more. Have you checked the national pay grade average for a graduate in your field?

It's also worth considering that unless you are graduating in a very specific field there will be a whole bunch of other graduates who will be looking for jobs as well and may be less demanding on the salary front. I'm not saying it will affect your chances, but just bear it in mind.

Good Luck with it.

Average salary for a graduate in my field would be roughly 24-25K, however the position that I'm current looking at is not field related. They just want any graduates that they can train towards management roles.

I had my first ever phone interview last week. It was kind of informal as they haven't even decided if they're taking people on yet.

Relax and remember that you've really nothing to lose. You don't have a job now and if they turn you down you still won't have a job.

Regarding salary..... the important thing is to get to a face to face interview where you can demonstrate your skills, achievements and personality. If they want you then they will negotiate.

All the very best Hobgob and don't forget to let us know how it went.

Paul