If you’ve written your resume well then you should find yourself being contacted by prospective employers for an interview.
Nowadays, that first contact with companies is typically over the phone (or a video) interview. Therefore, knowing how to prepare for a phone interview can give you a distinct advantage over the competition.
As we become more reliant on digital tools, telephone interviews and chats with potential employees via Skype, WhatsApp, and Google Hangouts are becoming the new normal with employers.
While you don’t need to worry about trying to stay calm in person, interviews over the phone present some pretty unique challenges. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared. In this article you’ll learn about:
- Different strategies that work when being interviewed over the phone
- Some of the most typical questions
- How to be polite with an employer when you’re not meeting face to face
It’s important to remember that this could be the critical first step towards an in-person meeting with your potential employer and to landing the job. Make sure you are ready!
Preparing for Your Phone Interview
Just like any formal job interview, being prepared is crucial. A phone interview is no different.
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re fully prepped for your call with a hiring manager.
Here’s a quick phone interview preparation checklist to properly prepare:
- Re-read the job description
- Research the company
- Learn something about the interviewer if possible
- Go over your qualifications with your resume
Just like in-person interviews, gathering any of this inside information will be a huge help, so you know how to tailor your answers. You’ll be able to find out what the employer is looking for and the company’s culture.
That way you’ll be fully ready to answer questions about the role.
You should also spend some time looking over the company website. It will help you figure out the corporate mission a lot easier.
You know that the employer is interested in your qualifications, so remember to optimize your resume to ensure you understand which qualifications you should focus on during your meeting over the phone.
Top Phone Interview Tips
Phone and virtual interviews look like they’re here to stay. In fact, in 2021 54% of hiring leaders said that virtual interviews made the process faster according to HireVue.
That means having an interview at home whether you’re in front of a camera or not is likely to happen.
When it comes to preparing for a phone interview, you’ll need to start studying the strategies to be successful.
Have a look at our tips below for a successful job interview over the phone.
1. Find a Quiet Place to Talk
Technically it’s possible to do a phone interview almost anywhere without traveling to your prospective employer’s office.
However, just because you could do it, doesn’t mean you should!
You should try to have the meeting in a quiet area of your own home. If that’s impossible try to find any quiet space you can to talk to the hiring manager.
If worse comes to worst, and you can’t find somewhere suitable to chat, you can always attempt to reschedule until a more appropriate time.
2. Speak Clearly and Smile
Even with the best network coverage, speaking on a phone isn’t always as precise as talking to someone in the same room. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you’re speaking clearly when you talk, so you can be properly understood.
For example, avoid slang and keep your language more formal and professional.
It might seem strange, but smiling on the call does actually help. While the interviewer won’t be able to see it, it can positively affect the tone and candor of your voice when speaking on the phone. Little things like this will make all the difference.
3. Listen Carefully
This doesn’t just go for interviews, you should always listen when having a conversation.
It’s critical to listen to the employer’s every word. Don’t let your head drift off into space or worry about a question you may have been able to answer better.
You can even take notes to help you remember certain details. This will enable you to provide thoughtful, relevant answers and ask meaningful follow-up questions.
4. Maintain a Steady Pace and Natural tone
Speak at a measured pace, allowing time for the interviewer to absorb your responses and ask follow-up questions.
Don’t rush through your answers or speak too slowly, as both can create a negative impression.
You should be able to find a balance that allows you to communicate information clearly, while still sounding natural and engaging.
5. Use a Reliable Connection
Nothing will cause you to panic more if your phone connection begins to break up.
Test your phone and network connection before the interview to avoid technical issues. A landline is typically more reliable, but if using a cell phone, ensure it’s fully charged and has a strong signal.
6. Use a Hands-Free Device or Speakerphone
If possible, use a headset, earphones with a built-in microphone, or a speakerphone during your phone interview. When you’re able to use your hands freely you can easily note-take or go through all of your materials.
It also helps maintain a consistent distance between your mouth and the microphone, producing clearer audio.
7. Keep Your Resume and Notes Nearby
Have a printed copy of your resume and any notes you’ve prepared to reference during the interview.
Keeping a reference near you can help you stay organized and respond to questions more effectively. Organize your materials neatly, so you can find information quickly without shuffling papers or creating noise.
Use our handy resume templates to make your cheat sheet, so you can quickly find any information that has to do with your qualifications.
8. Dress professionally
Just like smiling, it’s all about getting in the right mindset. Even if you’re at home, don’t do your interview in your p.j.’s.
Wearing appropriate attire helps create a sense of occasion and can positively impact your posture and breathing, which in turn influences your tone of voice and overall demeanor during the conversation.
9. Show How Motivated You Are
Express genuine interest in the company, role, and industry by demonstrating enthusiasm and passion in your voice.
Share what excites you about the opportunity and explain how your values align with those of the company. This helps convey your commitment to the position and leaves a lasting positive impression on the interviewer.
Just remember not to overdo it, or it may come across as sucking up.
10. Maintain Good Posture
You may want to walk around, or you may want to sit down while speaking. Either way, the less tense you are mentally and physically, the better.
It is recommendable, however, to try to avoid letting your nerves get the better of you and conduct your interview sitting down.
Our advice is to sit in an upright and relaxed position, with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Avoid slouching or reclining, as this can negatively affect your voice and make you sound less engaged.
Proper Phone Interview Etiquette
Having a good connection and mindset are essential, but be aware that even though you’re going to be talking over the phone, you must still always mind your manners!
If you’re not sure what that means, the following list will tell you what to do and what to avoid when trying to be polite while speaking to an employer over the telephone.
- Refer to the employer by Mr. or Ms. unless asked not to.
- Keep water close by in case you start coughing.
- Avoid interrupting the interviewer at any point.
- Avoid eating or drinking during the interview.
- Ask the right questions.
Here’s an example of a question that will show you are interested in what the employer has to say and what the company has to offer.
Can you describe the company culture and how it supports employees’ professional growth and development?
You’ll be able to learn about the company and look like a very motivated candidate.
Common Phone Interview Questions
As the interviewer is going to spend more of the call time getting to know you, your career history, and your motivations, you’ll probably encounter the following common interview questions on your call:
- Tell us a little about yourself.
- Why have you decided to leave your current job?
- Are you willing to relocate/travel for this position?
- What are your daily responsibilities at your current job?
- What motivates you?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Why did you decide to apply for this position?
- What interests you most about working for this company?
- What can you personally bring to this role?
If you focus some of your preparation on these questions and topics you should be able to settle some of your nerves and give some great responses.
What Happens After a Phone Interview?
Once your interview is over, don’t sit around until you get an answer. It’s a good idea to send a quick follow-up email to thank your interviewer for their time and restate your enthusiasm for the role.
If you can do it within 12 hours of the call, all the better. Proper job interview follow-up steps like this make a positive difference, especially if there are a lot of other candidates for the position.
It’s also recommendable to do a quick debrief and note down any points of observation that could help you improve for your next interview. This will also be useful in case you get called in for a face-to-face meeting in the future.
As you can see, phone interviews aren’t nearly as scary as they sound. Like any step of your job hunt, just prepare properly and you’ll be a hit.
