Mastering the phone interview: tips for success

Whether to simply make an appointment, for pre-selection purposes, following up your application or because you are too far away for a face-to-face interview, you may need to get through the first step of a recruitment process over the phone - and this step should not be overlooked! Here are some tips on how to have a successful phone interview and make the best first impression.

• Your interest for the job: “Why did you apply for this position?” is one of the most frequently asked questions. The interviewer wants to see if you carefully read the job description and are serious about the job.


• Your interest in the company: as for any job interview, make sure you research the company. Knowing the company’s goals, mission, products, services or corporate culture will show your interest and make sure it is a good fit for you.


• Your academic background and experience: memorize concise sentences to communicate the key elements of your application and show you are the right person for the position.
  The interviewer can ask you about your best or worst professional experience.
  They will get to know more about your preferences and see if you will be a good addition to the team. This is also your chance to explain any potential gap in your academic or employment history.


• Additional points, such as your availability, mobility, your salary expectations or other ongoing employment opportunities: don’t be caught off guard!

• 1. Take the call in a quiet and private space with no distractions. You need to be focused on the interview, so don’t take it in public or in your living room when your family are there. Make sure your phone or laptop is fully charged and you have good reception.


• 2. Ask to reschedule if the call is not at a convenient time.


• 3. Practice: ask a friend, family member or record yourself to prepare answers to questions you may be asked and make sure your voice is clear. This will help you be more confident for the real phone interview.


• 4. Be ready 10 to 15 minutes before the call is scheduled. Use that time to settle, take some deep breaths and focus.


• 5. Prepare your CV, cover letter, the job description and key elements you may need during the interview. Take notes during the call: it is hard to remember everything that was said, and they will be useful for a future interview.


• 6. Smile while you are on the phone: it will be noticeable in the tone of your voice, which will be your only way to communicate your enthusiasm and motivation. It will give a positive image to the interviewer despite them not being able to see you.


• 7. Make sure you keep a steady flow of speech and enunciate. Avoid using long and difficult sentences to keep the interviewer focused on what you are saying.


• 8. Listen carefully to the interviewer: do not interrupt them and pay close attention to the questions asked.


• 9. Prepare some questions to ask the end of the phone interview: this will show you are prepared and interested.


• 10. Thank the interviewer for their time and reaffirm your interest in the job.

• 1. Get confused about the job you applied to.
• 2. Fail to turn up for the scheduled phone call (without notice).
• 3. Be interrupted during the interview.
• 4. Adopt an unsuitable attitude for this kind of interview (smoke, chew gum, eat and so on).
• 5. Multitask while on the phone.
• 6. Talk too much or interrupt the interviewer.
• 7. Mention details of your personal life..
• 8. Badmouth your current company or employer.
• 9. Not asking questions to the interviewer.
• 10. Bring up salary expectations.