Job Search: 7 Tips for Successful Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are so important in the hiring process. If you don’t make a good impression on the phone, the chances of getting invited to an in-person interview will be slim. Here are seven tips for phone interviews that will be successful.

1. Choose a quiet environment.

You should ensure that you are not distracted by background noises like the radio, television, radio, dogs barking, children crying, and so on. If you’re surprised by a call while shopping at the grocery, ask the caller if they can call you back or place them on hold until you find a quiet and private place to talk. Ask the caller if they can schedule an interview at a mutually convenient hour, preferably when you are away from all the noise and can take notes.

2. Preparation is the same as for an in-person interview.

Perhaps you are the type of person who can quickly answer questions and knows the job description well. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and keep your notes, job description, resume and any other relevant materials close at hand. Recruiters do the majority of phone interviews. They are looking to see if you meet the requirements of the job description. Also, they want to see if your salary falls within the acceptable range. This is usually something experienced recruiters are able to determine quickly. You might find that some recruiters would prefer to have a deeper conversation with you. Sometimes, the hiring manager conducts the interview over the phone. In this instance, prepare for an in-person interview.

3. You should be prepared to answer any screening questions.

The phone interview serves primarily to screen candidates. The interviewer will look for red flags. The interviewer is looking for red flags in order to narrow down the pool of candidates and choose the most suitable matches to invite to a face-to-face interview. You’ll get questions like:

What are you looking for in a job? (No matter how unhappy or frustrated you may be about your situation, answer in a positive manner!
Please tell me about your history. I would like to know why you left here and why you moved there. Always put a positive spin on your reasons for leaving. Discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the current position.
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
Which was your most outstanding achievement in your previous job?
Which specific projects did you work on?
Why are you interested in working for our company?

4. Ask good questions. Ask questions.

But you shouldn’t ask questions that could be interpreted as “it’s all just about me.” It’s best for the interviewer not to mention benefits or money at this stage. These topics might be something you have to discuss during a phone interview. However, they should be left until the final and/or most essential stages of the hiring process. The interviewer should see you as a candidate and not as a substitute for your skills or experience. Ask the interviewer what success looks like for this job. Ask the interviewer to list the most critical aspects of the job description. Ask the interviewer why they are offering the job. These are good questions to ask during a telephone interview. Listen carefully to what they have to say and take notes if necessary.

5. Talk clearly.

Although this may seem obvious, it is so crucial for phone interviews. Phone interviews are all about your words and tone. You have the opportunity to make an impression. Keep the mouthpiece close to your lips. Do not chew gum, eat or drink anything, and don’t smoke. The phone amplifies sounds – you will hear the sounds of chewing, swallowing and smacking. You won’t be able to communicate if you have your mouth full of other activities.

6. The name of the interviewer should be used.

When you hear the name of your interviewer, write it down and refer to it throughout the conversation. This simple tip will help you build trust with your interviewer. You should be careful not to overdo it. “occasionally” is the key word. It could be unnatural to use the name of a person every time you respond.

7. Smile. Smile.

Experts suggest that you prop up a mirror in front of you while you’re interviewing so you can see yourself clearly and remind yourself to smile. You can also use a post-it note that says “Smile” and place it in a spot where you will see it during the interview. You lose the opportunity to express your excitement through facial expressions and eye contact when you are phone interviewing. You only have one way to convey your positive energy and express how you feel. Smile more, and you’ll feel happier.