How to nail your phone interview

A recruiter may want to do a phone interview first before asking you to do a face-to-face interview in order to filter out applicants. These phone interviews can be short and brief but make sure to prepare yourself well for them as they can be used to impress your potential employer and secure a face-to-face interview easily.

If you accept a phone interview invitation, be careful to be aware of the following:

• the interview’s day and time
• who will be phoning you, and their name
• name of the business
• If you have scheduled more than one interview, it’s crucial to know the role you’re looking for.

Additionally, make sure the business has your correct phone number listed so they can reach you that day.

Conduct research

As you would for a face-to-face interview, you should prepare. Your enthusiasm for joining the organization and accepting the position will be something the employer is interested in seeing. Make certain you:

• learn as much as you can about the business.
• Go over your resume or application form after reading the job description.

This will assist you in preparing how you will demonstrate that you possess the knowledge and expertise the employer seeks.

Prepare a few questions

Prepare 2 or 3 interview questions, such as these:

• how the interviewer’s career path led them to the organization,
• what chances there are for training or advancement,
• and what a typical day would entail.

Make a plan about where you will take the call

You’ll need a calm, distraction-free area. You might need to ask your family members or roommates to keep quiet during your interview if you share a home.

Practice conducting interviews

Your anxiety might be reduced by practicing with a simulated phone interview. You might perform better on the day and get more confidence as a result. You can practice with:

• a relative or acquaintance who you might call and ask some interview questions to
• Your university’s career service, a National Careers Service advisor from your school or college

If no one is around to assist, you could record yourself interview practice. Replay it to confirm:

• You sound enthusiastic and engaged, and your voice is clear. If you are frightened, try not to speak too quickly.
• Consider smiling when speaking; even if the interviewer can not see you, it will make you sound approachable and enthusiastic.

Be prepared and organised on the day of the interview. Ensure that you have:

• a pen and paper or laptop for taking notes
• your resume and application form
• reminder cards in case you need them
• If you’re using a landline phone, charge it and turn off your cell phone

Make sure there are no distractions around you and that the room is silent. If using headphones helps you focus, do so. Even though you can’t see the interviewer, it’s a good idea to dress professionally. It prepares you psychologically for a formal interview setting. Additionally, for some people, getting up during the call can boost their confidence.

While on the call

To give yourself time to settle before your interview, arrive 10 minutes early. Breathe deeply and attempt to maintain your composure.

During the call, you should:

• Be respectful and appropriate.
• If the line is faulty or you can’t hear, notify the interviewer. Try to sound interested and involved.
• Be concise and assured. Allow a little pause after each question before responding to prevent talking over the interviewer.
• If you’re unsure about the question being asked, ask the interviewer to repeat it.

After the interview

You should thank the employer for their time at the conclusion of the interview. Asking when you should be expecting to learn the results of your interview is OK. Consider the lessons you have taken away from the event. Update your prompt cards with your suggestions for the next time. You may concentrate on two or three aspects of your interview that worked well in order to do better in the future. Consider any more improvements you believe you could make for the future.