X

As of March 7, in-person services will be available at all JVS Toronto locations. Services will also continue to be available virtually. For more information about our services and safety procedures, click here.

JVS Toronto

DONATE
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Funders & Donors
    • Annual Reports & Financials
    • FAQs
  • Find a Job
    • Employment Source
    • Workshop Calendar
    • Career Exploration
    • Disability Services
    • Jewish Community Services
    • Newcomer Services
    • Youth Services
    • Job Search Resources
  • Pre-Arrival
  • Employers
  • Assessments
    • Educational & Learning
    • ASD Assessments
    • Psychology Services
    • Vocational & Skills
  • Refugee Resources
  • Give Back
    • Donate
    • Send an E-Card
    • Volunteer
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Donate

July 10, 2017 Leave a Comment

Dear Employment Specialist: Succeeding at a Telephone Interview

Drawing of a typewriter with the words "Dear Employment Specialist"

Dear Employment Specialist:

I applied for an Office Manager position in a medical clinic two weeks ago, and just got an email, with a date scheduled for a phone interview. I have never done an interview like that and am nervous because I have an accent and am worried that the employer wonโ€™t want to interview me in person if they hear me before they get to meet me.

What can I do to prepare for a telephone interview?

Signed: Worried About My Accent


Dear Worried

It has become very common for employers to pre-screen employees on the telephone before inviting a select few to the interview. That can be particularly difficult for job seekers for whom English is a Second Language, who might not feel confident about their language or who worry that they have an accent that is hard to understand.

Remember that this step in the process is meant to help the employer choose the best candidates for in-person interviews. They have your resume, and based on it, have determined that you might be a suitable candidate. This interview is an opportunity for them to hear your voice and assess your credibility. This wonโ€™t be a long interview, nor will it be in depth.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the interview. Prepare the following for the interview:

  1. Have a folder ready with the necessary documents:

Have the original job posting and the application you sent for the position, including your cover letter and resume. Print out some of the research you have done about the company. Have a pad of note paper and a pen (or two, in case one doesnโ€™t work) ready.

  1. Find a quiet, focused place for the phone call:

Select a space where you can talk freely on a clear telephone line. Make sure that it is a place where there are no distractions or noises. Stay away from public spaces such as coffee shops, or even your busy living room at home.

  1. Prepare what you are going to say and practice:

Make sure you remember how you found the position and know it well enough to describe why you are a good candidate for this particular job. Chances are that you will be asked questions such as:

  • Tell me about yourself โ€“ this is a chance for you to tell the interviewer what you want them to know about you. Review the job posting, as well as your cover letter and resume and pick out 5-6 important points about yourself that you would impress the interviewer
  • How did you hear about this position? — make sure you remember where you found out about the position. If you were recommended to the position by someone that the employer knows, donโ€™t forget to mention that.
  • Why do you think that you are a good candidate for this position? โ€“ think of the unique assets that you bring to this specific position โ€“ your relevant experience, skills and personal characteristics. Learn something about the company/job, if you can, and be ready to discuss what you can contribute (for example, mention how your values match with those they mention on their website), and practice describing them.
  • Do you knowโ€ฆ ? โ€“ the employer might want to clarify your knowledge of a particular software, language or knowledge of something such as specific legislation that is required for the position. Be ready to discuss these in detail.
  1. During the interview

  • Dress the part โ€“ though the interviewer canโ€™t see you, dressing up might help you get into the role and sound more professional.
  • If you can, sit at a desk with all your notes within easy reach.
  • Breath and smile โ€“ employers can hear your smile.
  • Speak clearly โ€“ project your voice, speak loudly and slowly. Annunciate your words properly, so you are easy to understand.
  • Be assertive โ€“ if you donโ€™t understand or canโ€™t hear what is said, ask the interviewer to repeat or explain themselves. If you need time to think of an answer, ask for a moment to think about how to answer the question.
  • Answer the phone quickly and clearly โ€“ identify yourself: โ€œhello, this is Karin speaking.โ€

If you are prepared, and are able to sound confident, it can be quite easy to be successful at a telephone interview.

Best wishes,
Your JVS Toronto Employment Specialist

By Karin Lewis Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: interview, interview tips, job search, phone interview, telephone interview

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jump-start Your Job Search

Jump-start Your Job Search - Sidebar

Upcoming Events

May 23
All day Recurring

Office Closed

May 24
10:00 am - 12:30 pm Recurring

Resumes & Cover Letters

May 25
10:00 am - 1:30 pm Recurring

Interview Skills

View Calendar

Sign up for our Career Advice Newsletter

Career Advice Newsletter - Sidebar

JVS Toronto Head Office

74 Tycos Drive
Toronto, ON
M6B 1V9

T: 416-787-1151
E: services@jvstoronto.org

More Information

  • Careers at JVS Toronto
  • Customer Service Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • JVS Insider Login

Follow Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • youtube

Copyright © 2022 ยท JVS Toronto

IPLAN PRACTICE Eligibility Requirements
  • Open to Permanent Residents, Canadian Citizens, or Convention Refugees
  • High level of English-language proficiency (CLB 7/8). Enhanced language training is available to applicants, if needed, prior to starting the program
  • Degree in architecture from a university outside Canada
  • OAA Intern Architects eligible to write the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)**

 

*Note:

  • The practice of architecture in Ontario is governed by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). All individuals who are internationally trained in the field of architecture, or who have held the status of architect in another jurisdiction must contact the OAA or visit the OAA website at www.oaa.on.ca for current information about licensing requirements and the licensing process in Ontario.
  • JVS Toronto is not a licensing body in Ontario.
  • The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole organization recognized by the architectural profession in Canada to:
    • Assess the educational qualifications of architecture graduates;
    • Accredit professional degree Programs in architecture offered by Canadian Universities; and
    • Certify the professional qualifications of Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects.
  • Architectural services may only be offered through a Certificate of Practice issued by the OAA.

**The content of this program has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Committee for the Examination for Architects in Canada (CExAC). The ExAC is an experience based exam. It is the practical application of knowledge acquired through education and readings that will support examination success. Taking this program without applying the knowledge gained through practice may not result in examination success.

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Eligibility Requirements

You should sign up for the program if you:

  • Have 2+ years of international experience in your professional field
  • Have lived in Canada for less than five years
  • Are unemployed or underemployed and looking to use your professional skills in Canada