This guide will help you improve your telephone skills.

Some job adverts ask you to respond to the advertisement with a telephone call. This may be just a case of leaving your name and address for an application form to be sent out, or it could be a mini interview over the phone.

More and more employers are using the telephone to screen candidates to see if they are suitable before they send out more information or invite people for an interview. So it is best to be prepared!

Also one of the reasons an employer asks you to telephone is if they want to fill the vacancy fairly quickly.

Starting point: before making the phone call

• Write down the name of the person you want to speak to and the appropriate department
• Note the title of the job vacancy and reference number if it has one
• List any questions you may want to ask. E.g What are the hours of the job?, Is it a permanent position?, Is there any training?
• Try not to use a telephone in a busy area or where you may get interrupted
• Make sure you have enough money/credit on your phone
• Have a pen and paper ready to take down any details
• Make a note about what skills and abilities you have to offer the employer. Have your CV or a list of your details with you so you can answer questions about dates and qualifications
• Be ready to answer any questions about your experience and why you are interested in the vacancy. You could also take a look at 'A job seekers guide to Interviews' for information on the types of questions you may be asked
• Have your diary with you to see when you are free to attend an interview
• Ask a friend to help you by doing a mock interview over the phone

Making the call
Remember to:

• Speak clearly
• Ask for the person or department you want to speak to
• Give your name
• Explain why you are phoning
• Try to use short, concise answers
• Make sure you ask any questions you may have
• If you are offered an interview make note of the time, date, place and the name of the person you are to see
• Ask for directions if you need them
• Thank the employer for talking to you
• If the vacancy has already been filled, ask if there is a chance of another one in the future
• Find out if it is worth checking on the recruitment situation in a couple of weeks
• For more information on job search skills see our Job seekers guides to Interviews and Application forms

Family Community Care Centre
Ramsden Avenue
Camp Hill
Nuneaton
Warks
CV10 9EB

Telephone: 024 7639 9330
Mobile: 07811 966345
E-mail: info@cheers-cda.co.uk

The Opportunities Centre
Pool Road Industrial Estate
Pool Road
Nuneaton
Warks
CV10 9AE

Telephone: 024 7640 0005
E-mail: info@cheers-cda.co.uk