How To Nail A Phone Interview

25 Telephone Interview Tips to Get You to the Adjacent Round (With Video)

Past Indeed Editorial Team

Oct 20, 2021

This article has been approved by an Indeed Career Coach.

What is a telephone interview and what function does it play in the hiring procedure? Many companies use phone calls with candidates who wait good on paper to determine if those applicants are ready to move to longer, more in-depth interviews. This is sometimes called a telephone screen.

What to look during a phone interview

There are a few occasions when an interview happens over the phone. Many companies use a telephone screen with a recruiter as the initial step in the hiring process. This is a critically important part of your job search. The recruiter will ask you about your background, skills and feel to see if information technology's well-aligned with the open position. They may besides be screening to see if you would be a good civilization fit for the company. If all goes well, the recruiter volition move you lot onto the adjacent stage. But if they come away with a poor or incomplete impression of you, things are unlikely to progress.

The next stage of the interview process is also typically conducted over the phone. In this phase, you will probable speak with the hiring manager or another individual on the team that'southward hiring. This interview is commonly more than in-depth than the phone screen as the interviewer has a deeper knowledge of the open role and what qualifications would make someone successful in it.

Both of these interviews usually final around xxx minutes. Consider phone interviews your opportunity to sum up what'due south about attractive to y'all about the chore and the company, as well as the skills and qualifications you bring to the tabular array.

Phone Interview Questions

Epitome description

Phone Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself/Tell me about your background
Depict yourself
Why are you applying for this position?
Why exercise you want this job?
Tell me what you know almost the role
Why do you want to piece of work here?
Why are you looking for jobs?
What are yous passionate about?
What are your salary expectations?
Are you interviewing with other companies?

Telephone interview tips

Phone interviews are only as important as in-person interviews, so adequately preparing for them tin can influence your success. If your interviewer chooses to do an initial phone interview, being successful in this first round tin ensure yous move onto the next. Here are 25 tips to consider when preparing for a phone interview:

1. Confirm the scheduled time

Earlier the mean solar day of your interview, confirm the engagement and time so you're certain to choice up when the call comes in. Writing down the scheduled time, calculation it to your calendar or setting it as a reminder on your phone are great ways to make certain you are ready for the scheduled interview. Your punctuality can help make a good impression on your prospective employer.

two. Reschedule, if necessary

If you're unable to meet at the suggested fourth dimension, consider suggesting other times that are more user-friendly for you. Offer your interviewer a few days and times that work well for yous, and then discuss a time you both find an accommodating. Rescheduling if you need more time or take a conflicting date ensures you're ready for your interview and promotes honest advice, which is often a valuable skill employers look for.

Read more: vii Steps to Reschedule a Job Interview

3. Enquiry the company

Review the company'south website, social media and recent activeness to acquire more almost its values, goals and company civilization. Knowing the company you're interviewing with provides you with adept insight to employ during the interview. Brand note of sure details about the company, and mention them should the opportunity arise. For example, if the company recently made an acquisition, you tin can mention this when the interviewer asks you lot what yous know about the company.

This pace can allow the interviewer know you're passionate near working there. Information technology volition as well allow you to think of questions you'll want to ask at the end of your interview.

One matter to remember equally you're discussing your fitness for the company with employers is that the thought of "culture fit" tin sometimes be used every bit a way to eliminate and discriminate against candidates, however unknowingly, who don't think, act or expect like existing employees. A better alternative concept you lot might consider speaking to is "culture add," or your ability to bring fresh and condiment ideas and feedback to the squad. Culture adds make the company stronger by diversifying the experiences and perspectives of its workforce.

Read more: The Complete Guide to Researching a Company

4. Know who will be calling you lot

In many cases, you'll be interviewing a recruiter, hiring manager or your straight supervisor. Do an online search to determine your interviewer'due south office at the visitor. If you're interviewing with a recruiter, you'll become more than general questions regarding your experience. An interview with your direct supervisor, notwithstanding, means you'll get in-depth questions related to your manufacture and role.

5. Look over the task clarification

Understanding what the employer is looking for in an employee and what your responsibilities will be can help yous tailor your answers to diverse interview questions. If they're looking for an employee with sure design software skills and who has experience creating graphics for B2B companies, you'll want to mention this during your interview.

6. Be an active listener

Be attentive, ask insightful questions and engage with the recruiter. This will show that you're taking the interview seriously and that you genuinely care about what they have to say. Practicing with friends or family could be greatly benign. Make sure yous're listening to every word, and follow-upwardly with questions that show you were actively listening to what they were saying.

Related: Agile Listening Skills: Definition and Examples

vii. Be professional

Information technology's important to exist respectful and kind throughout your interview. This professional person tone tin go out a practiced impression on your interview, and they'll recall that equally they consider their hiring determination. Depending on who you're interviewing with, if you lot're hired, they'll also exist your time to come colleague, so information technology's of import to exist professional person and eloquent in your tone and answers.

8. Smile

Even though you'll be speaking over the phone, grin during your interview can promote a positive tone in your voice. Though your interviewer won't be able to meet your grinning, they'll exist able to hear information technology. Practice smiling as yous speak in the mirror or with family or friends.

9. Consider your salary expectations

Many employers ask near your salary expectations. Research the average salary in your industry when considering what you'd like to get paid, but be reasonable. It'south as well wise to offer them a bacon range within $v,000. For example, "I'm hoping to make betwixt $60,000 and $65,000." This will permit your interviewer know that you lot are flexible.

Read more: Interview Question: "What Are Your Bacon Expectations?"

10. Accuse your phone

If you're using your cell telephone for the interview, make certain it's fully charged and in working condition the day of your interview. It's likewise a skilful idea to do a examination telephone call. Accept someone call you to make sure your line is clear and that your phone tin can properly take calls. Be ready x-15 minutes before the bodily interview time to ensure your phone is working properly.

Related: How to Handle a Telephone Interview That is Late

xi. Take your resume and portfolio ready

It'southward possible the interviewer will want to enquire you questions related to your resume or portfolio. Make certain you lot have all the necessary documents for reference. You tin print these out or have them open on your computer.

12. Prepare your notes

If at that place are certain things yous want to mention during your interviews, such as your specific job duties at a previous employer or your qualifications and how they meet the job description, make annotation of it as yous reference your resume and portfolio. Brand sure your notes are clear and legible and then yous can readily access them if demand be.

xiii. Consider possible interview questions

Research common interview questions so you lot know what yous might be expected to answer. Many interview questions fall into the same categories—adaptability, leadership, collaboration, civilization fit, prioritization and evolution. Determining the questions they might ask can assistance you lot gain conviction since y'all'll know what to await. Reviewing highly anticipated questions will ease any nerves going into the interview.

Related: 125 Common Interview Questions and Answers

xiv. Prepare your answers to common interview questions

Later on researching mutual interview questions, consider how you'll answer each. Write your answers in a bullet list, highlighting specific experiences you can depict on to demonstrate your answer. Because you'll exist on the phone, it can be helpful to have notes in front of yous during the interview to aid you answer. Rehearse your answers without looking at your notes for more than practice.

15. Speak clearly

Carefully articulate your words and take your fourth dimension as yous answer each question. Interviewers may be better able to understand you lot and observe your communication skills. This skill is important in any industry, so demonstrating your splendid communication skills during the interview process can help your interviewer determine your abilities.

16. Be conversational

Maintain a friendly even so professional tone rather than sounding apposite. Practice your answers to common interview questions with friends or family or record yourself speaking. Ask your family or friends for feedback in regards to your phonation tone, language and speaking speed. In the same manner, playback your recording, and determine how you can better. During your interview, exist polite and prepared to engage in small talk to warm up. Equally it's common to exchange pleasantries at the beginning of the call, you lot may consider preparing something topical (weather, upcoming result, etc.) to speak to.

17. Take notes

Taking notes throughout the interview tin help you remember important matters the interviewer discussed. Have a pen and newspaper or use your estimator for note-taking. This can be useful in referencing any salaries, job responsibilities or other relevant company information you may accept discussed with the interviewer.

Related: How to Handle a Phone Interview That is Late

18. Dress professionally

Even though yous'll be speaking over the phone, consider dressing equally if yous were having an in-person interview. This, along with sitting up tall, tin can help boost your confidence during the interview then avoid sitting in your pajamas or slouching on the couch.

xix. Find a placidity environment

Detect a quiet space where you lot'll be able to hear the interviewer loud and clear. This volition make sure you listen to everything they have to say and that you lot go all of the information y'all need.
Turn off the television set or music, and close the door to the space you're using for your interview. Remove whatsoever background noise and interview in a quiet space to demonstrate your professional courtesy and let your interviewer know y'all're taking this job interview seriously.

20. Eliminate distractions

As you expect for the phone to band, remove any current or potential distractions. In addition to turning off the television or music, close any unnecessary tabs or windows on your computer or prison cell phone to ensure your attention is focused on the interview. You can besides permit potential callers, like friends and family, know that yous will exist unavailable for a certain corporeality of time, including the time you need to set for the interview.

21. Ready a professional voicemail

In the event you lot can't reply the phone when they initially phone call, get out a skilful impression by having a professional person and friendly voicemail. For case, "Hi, you've reached Jane. I'm sorry I missed your call. Delight leave a detailed message and a phone call back number, and I'll get back to you every bit soon as possible. Cheers."

22. Prepare questions you want to inquire

Interviewers want to know you're interested in the position you're applying for. Display your involvement by asking insightful questions at the end of the interview. Some questions you could ask include:

What will my daily responsibilities include?
What is the workplace environment like?
What is your favorite part of working for the visitor?

Read more: 17 All-time Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

23. Enquire near the next steps

Asking your interviewer about the adjacent steps in the interview process is a good way to express your continued involvement in the role and the company. While some employers might exist prepare to offer y'all a task, others might have yous come in for an in-person interview every bit they narrow down their candidate search. Knowing the answer to this question will give you lot an idea of what to look so you can ready for the adjacent steps.

24. Send a give thanks-you email

Presently after your phone interview, send your interviewer a thank-yous e-mail. Make sure to thank them for their time, include a few relevant details you discussed and limited your continued interest in the part. It's important to properly accost the interviewer and send your electronic mail within 24 hours. If there'south something yous forgot to mention or you'd like them to elaborate on a certain topic, this is a peachy opportunity to inquire.

Related: Follow-Upward Email Examples For After the Interview

25. Follow up

If you don't hear dorsum from the interviewer inside a calendar week or ii, consider following up. It's possible they're still interviewing other candidates, simply in the outcome they're non, it volition requite you an thought of where you stand up as they narrow down their candidate choice.

When you're better prepared for your interview, y'all're more probable to have a favorable outcome. Regardless of what happens, preparing and having a phone interview is a great learning feel for futurity interviews of the same nature.

Related: 15 Telephone Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/phone-interview-tips-to-get-you-to-the-next-round

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