Phone Interview

1. Be Prepared Ahead of Time

Prepare for a phone interview in the same way you would prepare for an in-person interview. Research the company you are applying for and prepare key facts to gain a clear understanding about the company and the services or programs they offer. Ensure that you have printed out a copy of your résumé, a short list of accomplishments and the job description to reference during the phone call. It is also a good idea to have paper and a pen in case there is important information to jot down.

2. Practice Interviewing

Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview with you over the phone, or record yourself talking. Practicing speaking over the phone will help to improve your phone mannerisms and conversation flow. Write up questions that you anticipate the employer will ask you, and prepare answers to these questions as practice.

Here are some common interview questions:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why are you interested in this position?
  • What can you tell me about our company?
  • What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

3. Before the Interview

During the time leading up to the phone interview, make sure that there are no distractions such as pets, radio, call waiting, television, and inform your family members that you are on an important call. It is best to use a landline during the interview so that there is low risk of a dropped signal, no choppy background noises, and less room for misinterpretation.

4. During the Interview

During the interview, it is important to remain calm and take your time to answer questions. Try to focus on the questions being asked and answer the question with specific information. Make sure your answers are organized and concise. Try to keep your answers to 2-3 minutes at the most. At the end of the call, always thank the person for calling and for their time.

5. After the Interview

It is appropriate to send a thank you email to the interviewer shortly after the phone interview. This will help to reiterate the strong points that you discussed during the interview, and let the employer know that you’re interested in the position.