Telephonic interviews are just as they appear: interviews conducted via telephone. Skype interviews could possibly be considered telephonic interviews as well.
There is a bit of confusion on whether a telephonic interview is actually just a “phone interview.” It’s important to note that the legal industry uses telephonic interviews for different purposes (testimony) as a cost-saving measure. That’s not what we’re referring to here.
Relative to hiring, the term “telephonic interview” is being used specifically as an interviewing technique used for to pre-screen job applicants expected to have heavy phone interaction with customers, vendors, and the general public … mainly those within a call center or handling a high-volume of incoming/outgoing calls.
A telephonic interviewer is looking to learn a few things about you. For example:
- Tone/pitch of voice
- Any unprofessional speaking patterns; i.e. involuntary “umms”
- Overall pleasantness to speak with
- Cohesiveness of conversation
One of the best approaches to improving your phone skills is by creating a list of interview questions, answering each into a recording device, and listening/critiquing your responses to identify any problems that might need correcting.
For example:
Are you speaking too loud or with a high pitch?
Do you answer the questions calmly, effectively, and professionally?
Do you awkwardly pause or use speech fillers such as “um” or “do you know what I mean?”
Does your overall voice sound pleasant?
Good luck to you!