Most companies use telephone interviews as part of their recruitment process to whittle down a pile of CVs into a manageable interview shortlist. But many candidates fluff the opportunity to create a good impression and secure a face-to-face meeting.
Many applicants fail to take telephone interviews seriously, and risk losing out as a result, according to a recent survey. Recruiters reported candidates eating, driving, bathing, breastfeeding, dogwalking and even going to the loo during telephone interviews.
Recruiters also bemoaned the use of slang and street talk: calling your interviewer ‘mate' or finishing sentences with ‘innit' is not a winning strategy.