Mastering Telephone Interviews: Preparation Tips and Examples

In job hunting, the phone interview serves as the initial step in the hiring process. It acts as a gateway for employers to screen potential candidates and gauge their suitability for further consideration. Understanding the nuances of this phase can significantly enhance your chances of progressing to the next round.

Telephone interviews come in two primary forms: the screening phone interview and the more in-depth phone conversation. The former is typically shorter and focuses on assessing basic qualifications and fit for the role, while the latter delves deeper into your experience, skills, and motivations. Regardless of the type, thorough preparation is key to making a positive impression. Keep reading to get the best tips for a phone interview.

In this article, we cover:

• Phone interview tips to get you to the next round.

• How to prepare for a phone job interview.

• Examples of questions and answers for over the phone interview.

Browse our blog for more advice to help you achieve your career goals and succeed with your telephone interview preparation.

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10 telephone interview tips to help you get to the next round

We've put together 10 of the best phone interview tips to help you get prepared.

1. Research the company 

Familiarise yourself with the company's background, delve into its industry, and thoroughly grasp the specifics of the role you're applying for. Take a deep dive into the job description, ensuring a comprehensive understanding to align your skills and experiences precisely with their requirements. This insight empowers you to effectively tailor your phone interview responses, showcasing your genuine interest and suitability for the role.

2. Prepare your environment 

Find a quiet, comfortable spot for your phone interview, free from interruptions. Make sure you have good reception. Remove distractions and have your CV, job description, and any additional notes nearby. This helps you focus on the conversation and present yourself professionally.

3. Answer the phone professionally

This might be an obvious one but it can make all the difference. When answering the phone for an interview, professionalism is key. Start with a polite and enthusiastic greeting, such as:

"Good morning, this is [Your Name] speaking."

This sets a positive tone and shows that you're prepared and engaged. First impressions matter - even over the phone! If the call is unexpected and it's not a good time for you, you can ask the caller to phone you back at a more convenient time.

4. Communicate clearly

Clear communication is crucial during a telephone interview, as you don’t have the benefit of non-verbal cues like body language. Speak slowly and clearly, and make sure you articulate your thoughts. Avoid using filler words like "um" or "like" - this can make you seem less confident. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask the interviewer to clarify.

Additionally, make sure to pause for a moment after each question to gather your thoughts. This shows you’re thoughtful and deliberate in your responses. Being concise and clear helps leave a positive impression and ensures you convey your points effectively, even without face-to-face interaction.

5. Practice active listening

In a phone interview, active listening is key since visual cues are absent. Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions, and wait a moment before responding to let them finish speaking. This ensures you give clear, brief answers and avoid misunderstandings. Summarising or rephrasing their questions before answering also shows you're attentive.

6. Prepare talking points

Prepare for typical interview questions and have concise, relevant examples to demonstrate your qualifications and successes. Emphasise skills, experiences, and achievements that match the job's needs. Also, be prepared to explain why you're interested in the role and how you can benefit the company. Practice your responses in advance to feel more confident and provide strong answers during the interview.

Examples of talking points:

• Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

• Highlight specific experiences and skills that are relevant to the job.

• Provide examples of past achievements or projects that demonstrate your abilities.

• Connect your experiences directly to the requirements of the role.

• Explain why you're interested in the position and the company.

• Mention what attracts you to the company's mission, culture, or values.

• Showcase your flexibility and adaptability to different situations.

• Highlight instances where you've successfully adapted to new environments or tasks.

• Mention any experience you have with virtual communication tools or platforms.

• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

• Thank the interviewer for their time and express your eagerness to move forward in the hiring process.

7. Ask focused questions

Asking focused questions during a telephone interview is a great way to show your interest and initiative. Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role, the team, or the company's culture that are relevant to the conversation. For example, you could ask about team dynamics, key challenges the company is facing, or opportunities for growth in the position.

These questions should reflect your research on the company and show that you're genuinely interested in how you can contribute. Avoid asking questions that can easily be answered through the company’s website or general information, as this can make you appear unprepared. Instead, focus on deeper inquiries that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to learn more.

8. Take notes

Taking notes during a telephone interview is a smart move to help you stay engaged and capture key details. Jot down important points such as the interviewer’s name, role, and any unique company insights or expectations they mention. Notes can also help you remember key questions you want to ask, especially if the conversation covers multiple topics.

Additionally, writing down your answers to challenging questions can help you identify areas to improve for future interviews. After the call, these notes will be invaluable for crafting a tailored thank-you email or preparing for the next stage of the hiring process.

9. Close the interview well

Closing the interview on a positive and confident note is essential to leave a lasting impression. Toward the end of the conversation, express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Thank the interviewer for their time and mention one or two key points you discussed that excited you about the position.

A good closing might sound like: "I appreciate the chance to speak with you today. I'm really excited about the opportunity and believe my skills and experience are a great fit for the role. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

Also, make sure to ask about the next steps in the hiring process so you can know when to expect feedback. This shows you’re eager and committed to moving forward.

10. Follow-up

After the interview, express your appreciation for the opportunity with a thank-you email or note. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention something specific from the conversation to personalise your message. This demonstrates your professionalism and keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind as they evaluate candidates.

7 examples of questions and answers in a telephone interview

1. What's your availability like?

Right answer: "I'm flexible with my schedule and can make myself available for interviews at your convenience."

Wrong answer: "I'm busy most of the time, but I can try to squeeze in an interview if necessary."

2. Where are you currently based?

Right answer: "I am currently based in London, but I am open to relocation for the right opportunity."

Wrong answer: "I'd prefer not to disclose my location at this time."

3. What drew you to this job?

Right answer: "I was drawn to this job because of the company's innovative approach and commitment to making a positive impact in the industry."

Wrong answer: "I'm just looking for any job that pays well."

4. What is your current job?

Right answer: "Currently, I work as an Accountant at KCMG, where I manage accounts payable and receivable, reconcile financial statements, and prepare monthly budget reports to track expenses and revenue."

Wrong answer: "I'm not really doing much at my current job."

5. Why are you leaving your current position?

Right answer: "I'm seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth that align with my long-term career goals."

Wrong answer: "I can't stand my boss, so I'm looking to get out as soon as possible."

6. What do you know about the company?

Right answer: "I'm impressed by the company's commitment to sustainability and its recent expansion into new markets."

Wrong answer: "Not much, to be honest. I haven't had time to do any research."

7. What interests you about this job?

Right answer: "I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to a dynamic team and make a meaningful impact."

Wrong answer: "I just need a job, and this one seemed okay."

Before, during, and after a phone interview

Telephone interview dos and don'ts

Key takeaways 

By following these telephone interview tips, you can get ready for and do well in your next phone interview, improving your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Keep in mind that every conversation is a chance to demonstrate your skills and excitement for the job, so go into it with confidence and optimism. 

Next steps? 

Explore our extensive collection of CV examples and cover letter templates for inspiration. Alternatively, you can opt for our CV writing services or utilise our CV builder to craft your own documents.

FAQs

What is a telephone interview?

A telephone interview is a preliminary stage in the hiring process where a recruiter or hiring manager conducts an interview with a candidate over the phone. It's typically used to screen candidates before inviting them for an in-person interview.

How should you prepare for a telephone interview?

To prepare for a telephone interview, research the company, review the job description, and have your CV on hand. Find a quiet space, test your phone for good reception, and practice your answers to common questions. Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask and remember to speak clearly, with a smile, to convey confidence and enthusiasm. With these tips, you'll be ready to make a great impression!

What do you say at the beginning of a phone interview?

At the beginning of a phone interview, it’s important to make a positive and professional first impression. Here’s what you can say:

1. Greet the interviewer: “Hello [Interviewer’s Name], thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I’m excited about the opportunity to discuss the role.”

2. Introduce yourself briefly: “This is [Your Name], and I’m looking forward to talking more about how my skills and experience align with the position.”

3. Confirm you’re ready: “I’m all set and ready to begin whenever you are!”

This sets a positive tone and shows that you’re prepared and enthusiastic for the conversation ahead.

What to expect from a phone call interview?

During a phone interview, you can expect the interviewer to ask about your background, experience, and skills relevant to the job. They may also inquire about your availability, salary expectations, and interest in the position. Be prepared to answer questions concisely and professionally.

What happens after a phone interview?

Following a phone interview, the hiring manager may assess your performance and compare it with other candidates. They may decide to invite you for an in-person interview if they find you suitable for the position. Alternatively, they might decide not to move forward with your application, in which case they may inform you of their decision via email or phone call.