How To Master A Phone Interview

For most people looking for a job, the first step after submitting the job application is having a phone interview with the recruiter. This is where worry starts to set in especially if you have never had a phone interview. Admittedly, this can be a challenge. But more companies relying on phone interviews to screen candidates, it is important that you master your phone interview skills. In this article, we will share some tips on how to master a phone interview.

Choose a quiet space in your house

Distractions can kill anything, not to talk of an interview. So, ensure you do not have anything in the background that takes your attention away from the discussion. Put your phones and devices in silence. Also, do not plan to interview when kids are around. Avoid places like the outdoors, your car, or any other noise-prone area. As you probably know, remote work requires a quiet space to work, and you need to demonstrate to your potential employer that you have the space needed to focus and be productive.

Invest time in preparation before the interview day

You can not over prepare for an interview. One way to prepare is to practice answering common interview questions and remote-specific questions. Also, do some online research on the company ahead of your interview. Have some pertinent information at your fingertips. This includes having a copy of your resume, information about the company, the job description, and correspondence from the company readily available.

Outline possible talking points

One of the benefits of doing a phone interview is that you can easily have notes available to reference. Research tough interview questions and prepare answers. You can jot these down on a notepad that you can keep near the phone. Also, prepare a 30-second elevator pitch explaining why you applied for the position and why you are a good fit.

Test your equipment

Before your interview day, ensure that your equipment is functioning as it should be. Check that your signal is strong if you are using your mobile phone for the interview. If you are using an online platform, ensure your internet connection is fast and reliable. You can always do a test run with a friend to verify that your mic and camera are working. This phone interview tip is very important as you may not have the option to reschedule your interview if your equipment fails on the day of the interview.

Remove distractions

Regardless of where you are, distractions abound. Before you begin your interview, take some time to remove any form of distractions. Turn off your computer and mobile phone notifications and alerts, and hide the books and magazines that might distract you.

Take time to pause and breathe during the interview

Even though it is a phone interview, be more aware of the importance of pauses in conversation. So, give more time than you would typically after an interviewer speaks to ensure they have finished talking. Avoid speaking over the other person. The conversation will likely run smoother if you give ample time to let the interviewer finish speaking before you respond. Also, you can use the pause time to reflect on your answers before you respond to the interview questions.

Ask relevant questions

Participate in the dialogue. This will show the interviewer that you have interest in the position. Also, it will give them relevant information about you. Instead of relying on remembering pertinent questions to ask, have a list ready. Have a minimum of four questions handy in case they have already covered a couple of them before asking if you have questions. Always ask the interviewer what their next steps are, and when you should expect to hear from them.

Follow up with a thank you message

This is an important part of the interview process. If possible, send a thank-you email to the interviewer the same day of the interview. Keep the message professional but short and sweet. Thank them for their time, remind them of why you are a great fit for the position, and reiterate your enthusiasm toward the position and company.