How to handle a phone interview
Congrats! You’ve made it off the pile of resumes and a step closer towards your dream job - the phone interview!
But…surprise surprise you’ve got the call out of the blue, you’ve answered at your desk and don’t feel prepared at all. So, what do you do?
Whether the call was scheduled or spontaneous, this is your first opportunity to impress the recruiter and show off your potential. The phone interview is often a way for recruiters to see if what you’ve communicated on your resume translates into real life, understand your motivations, and get a sense of why you applied for the role.
But, unlike a regular interview you have little to no time to prepare, and can’t rely on in-person cues and body language to aid in your communication.
So to ease your nerves and help you feel more confident, we’ve compiled a list of key questions you should be ready to answer and ask, tips on managing your environment, and most importantly, small but impactful ways to make sure you stand out and secure that in-person interview.
Prepare questions to ask
Just like a regular in person interview, the first point of contact is a chance to clarify any questions you had about the role and if it’s really something you’re interested in pursuing. Save everyone time by asking about your non-negotiables from the start. Will it meet your salary expectations, does the flexibility on offer align with your expectations, and is the remit what you expected based on the job ad.
One advantage of a phone interview is that you can have your notes at the ready! We recommend jotting down your non-negotiables or key questions in the notes app on your phone so you can refer to them quickly and easily.
Be prepared to answer common questions
For the recruiter, the purpose of the initial chat is to decide if it’s worth getting you in for an in-person interview. Be ready to sell yourself. Make a list of questions you think you might be asked and think about how you can answer confidently. You don’t need to provide detailed answers at this stage, but enough to demonstrate that you’re a strong candidate for the role.
Expect questions like: Why are you interested in this position? What are you looking for in your next role? Can you walk us through your career history? When you answer, make sure to weave in details about your experience that relate to the job description and demonstrate your level of interest in the role.
Control your environment
As much as possible, you’ll want to control your environment. This means finding a quiet, private spot with good reception/connection.
If the call is planned - book a meeting room, sit in your car, find another spot in advance or plan to work from home. The park bench out the front of the office may not be available when you need it…and you might end up dodging nosy co-workers!
If it’s not planned and you’re in the office, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for a moment to step outside or request to call back once you’ve found a private spot. Even better, you can screen the call and return it once you’ve set yourself up.
In both instances you’ll probably want your hands free so make sure your headphones are charged and can be quickly connected.
Make a connection
Since you can’t rely on eye contact or body language to build rapport, making a personal connection over the phone is even more crucial. A little small talk can go a long way in establishing a positive relationship. Do your homework beforehand—if the company recently launched a cool campaign, mention it. If you have a hobby or personal interest that aligns with the brand, share your insights. At the very least, check out the company’s people and culture webpage or LinkedIn profile, and bring up anything that resonates with you.
Remember, a phone interview is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression, so be sure to prepare, stay calm, and let your personality shine through. For more tips on acing your job search, don't hesitate to reach out.