Telephone interviews might seem less intimidating than face-to-face meetings, but don’t underestimate them. In many public sector recruitment processes, especially for housing, property, or local authority roles, the telephone interview is your first big filter.

At Marks Consulting Partners, we’ve supported thousands of candidates through these early-stage interviews, and we know exactly what separates the “maybe” pile from the “definite second-stage” pile.

Here’s how to make sure you stand out, even without a screen or handshake.

Just because it’s over the phone doesn’t mean it’s casual. You’ll still be assessed on how well you understand the role, how clearly you communicate, and how you present yourself professionally.

Tip: Dress the part (even if they can’t see you). It puts you in the right mindset and helps you project energy and confidence.

• Have your CV printed or on screen, a notepad ready, and water nearby.
• Avoid taking the call on speaker while walking, driving, or in a busy environment.
• Be early, be focused, and have everything you need to hand.

The first impression matters,  even over the phone. Start strong:

“Hi, it’s [Your Name] speaking. Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today, I’ve been looking forward to learning more about the role.”

It sounds simple, but a confident, polite start sets the tone for the rest of the call.

Without body language or visual cues, it’s easier to talk over the interviewer, or leave long pauses. Let them finish their question fully, then respond with a structured answer. Keep it clear and concise.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give strong examples, especially for competency-based questions.

Most public sector telephone interviews include questions like:

“Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult tenant.”
“How do you prioritise your workload?”
“Give an example of working under pressure to meet a deadline.”

Prepare 3–4 key examples from your previous roles and tailor them to the job spec. If it’s a Housing Needs Officer role, talk about housing legislation. If it’s Surveying, focus on compliance, inspections, or contractor management.

As with any interview, finish strong:

Thank them for their time
Reiterate your interest in the role
Ask when you can expect to hear back

“It sounds like a great opportunity, and I’d be excited to move forward. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide.”

A telephone interview might only last 20–30 minutes, but it could be your ticket to a second-stage meeting or job offer.

By preparing properly, staying focused, and showing your enthusiasm, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.

Need help preparing for your next interview? At Marks Consulting Partners, we support our candidates at every step, from application to offer.