Finally, got a phone interview with a Sydney-based financial consulting company. This was after a direct application to the company, not via recruitment agents which didn't work anyways. I hold a validated PR visa.

Did anyone else do it over phone? Any tips? Do's and Dont's?

I got my first job over the phone. It wasn't too bad. Ask what happens if you get cut off do you ring them back or them you? Establish who is interviewing you as soon as you can -possibly see the names by email before the interview. I spent more time learning to say one name then I did answering a question LOL

The good bits were I did it in my jeans in my kitchen with loads of notes including one to remind me to slow down. I speak too fast when I am nervous!

The bad bits were body language plays a lot during a conversation and I never knew whether they had heard enough from me.

Good luck it's a good experience!!!

Take your time & don't be put off if there is a slight time delay.
Make sure that you are in a quiet room, have a glass of water to hand plus pen & paper to make notes if you want to.
You can make notes in preparation.

Lots of luck

Stand up: It makes you feel/sound more confident, assertive and in control. You can't do it in a normal interview, so take advantage.

Research the interviewers: If you can get names in advance do the searching. You'd be surprised how much you can dig up and knowing their pet subjects gives you an advantage. Have notes in front of you

Research the company: As per individuals, you need to know the details about the company. Pre prepare some questions about it that show you understand the company.

Canned Questions: Prepare answers to the expected questions, but only note down the key areas and keep that in front of you. That way it doesn't sound like you are reading a script, but you don't flounder.

Present the right attitude: Understand what type of person they are looking for, the type of voice that person would use, then try to keep your voice in that area during the interview. They only have your voice to go on, so will base tacit feel on that. Make sure you introduce plenty of modulation into your voice so it sounds interesting/interested. Don't sound a bored monotone.

Don't screw up, add a factor: In general if you get a telephone interview they are reasonably interested in you. They are looking to see if you have the right attitude and would fit in. Therefore its yours to lose at that point. Try and weave into you answer some new fact, not in your CV, that would be a positive attribute for them. That way when deciding they can focus on an additional positive to push you over the edge. At the same time, don't say something dumb, think about answers and take your time.

Thanks Clara!

Useful tips. Thanks Sallyclaire!

Thanks! Those are very interesting points, really. I fully agree with all of them and especially like the 'attitude' and 'don't screw up' ones. I actually worked for this company long time back in some other part of the world. Do you think I should ask the HR coordinator for names of the interviewers or will it be considered inappropriate?

I don't see why you shouldn't ask who will be doing the interview!

Thanks sallyclaire!

When's the interview?

I have had two, both scheduled for 11pm UK time. First one, they had major storm & pwer outage, finally rang me at midnight, interview finished just before 1am! Despite my tiredness, I still managed to get job offer.
Second one rang at 11pm to say couldn't locate one of the interviewers Rang me back 10 mins later though & again, positive outcome.
Anyway, just be prepared for a late night & things not to be straightforward. Oh & be yourself, that's what you are selling after all!

Good points to keep in mind! Interview is at 3pm Sydney time, so its early morning here. Not too bad a timing..... Next week, lets see how it goes.... Oh, once again, thanks!

Hi Caliburn

Just reading through your thread - being nosy and wanted to know, have you had your interview yet? How did you get on? Good I hope!!

Not yet, will update here once it happens. Cheers!

Don't sweat it - you have control and many advantages.

For blokes in particular - the ability to handle your balls whilst speaking is a great comfort.

I did a phone interview for IBM in Belgium one time in my underwear, drinking a can of beer.

I got the job.

(probably cos I didn't mention I was in my underwear and drinking a can of beer)

JTL