The popularity of phone interviews is on the rise, as they provide a convenient and efficient way for employers to screen candidates before inviting them for an in-person interview. However, for many job seekers, phone interviews can be daunting as they require a different set of skills than in-person interviews. In this blog post, we’ll share practical tips and strategies to help you ace your phone interview.

Preparing a Quiet Space

One of the most significant challenges of phone interviews is ensuring that you have a quiet and distraction-free environment. Before your interview, find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Make sure that you turn off any background noise, such as the TV or radio, and inform your family or roommates that you’ll be on a call.

It’s also a good idea to test your phone connection beforehand. Ensure that you have a strong signal, and if you’re using a cell phone, ensure it’s fully charged before the interview. You don’t want the call to drop mid-interview or run out of battery.

Researching the Company and the Role

Researching the company and the role you’re applying for is crucial before a phone interview, just like with an in-person interview. Review the company website, social media presence, and any recent news articles about the company. This will give you an idea of the company culture, values, and mission.

You should also review the job description and requirements. Consider how your skills and experience align with the role, and be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated those skills in the past.

Practicing Your Responses

Phone interviews can be challenging because you can’t rely on nonverbal cues as much as in-person interviews. Therefore, it’s essential to practice your responses to common interview questions beforehand. You can find a list of common interview questions online or in our previous blog post on interview questions.

Practice your responses out loud and record yourself if possible. This will help you identify any nervous habits, such as saying “um” or “like,” that you can work on minimizing. It will also help you get comfortable with hearing your own voice, which can be jarring at first.

Being Concise

Since phone interviews are often shorter than in-person interviews, it’s essential to be concise in your responses. Keep your answers focused and to the point, and avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Make sure that you’re answering the question that was asked, rather than providing irrelevant information.

One strategy is to use the STAR method when answering behavioral questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Start by describing the situation or task you were faced with, then describe the action you took, and finish with the result or outcome.

Asking Questions

At the end of a phone interview, the interviewer will typically ask if you have any questions. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company and gather information that can help you prepare for the next stage of the interview process.

Prepare a list of questions beforehand, and be sure to ask questions that are specific to the company or role. For example, you might ask about the company culture, the team you’ll be working with, or the challenges the company is currently facing. Asking thoughtful questions can set you apart from other candidates who might not be as prepared.

Following Up After the Interview

Just like with an in-person interview, it’s crucial to follow up after a phone interview. Send a thank-you note to the interviewer within 24 hours of the call. In your note, thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate your interest in the role, and highlight any specific points from the interview that you found particularly interesting or relevant.

Conclusion

Phone interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and strategies, you can succeed in them. Creating a quiet space, researching the company and role, practicing your responses, being concise, asking questions, and following up after the interview are essential elements for acing your phone interview.

It’s important to keep in mind that a phone interview is just the first step in the hiring process. If you’re invited for an in-person interview, use the same strategies and techniques to prepare, and continue to research the company and the role. With hard work and persistence, you can land the job of your dreams.

Lastly, don’t forget to stay positive and confident throughout the interview process. Remember that the interviewer is looking for someone who is a good fit for the company and the role, and that you have the skills and experience to succeed. With the right attitude and preparation, you can ace your phone interview and take the next step in your career.