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Secure a Second Interview With These Phone Interview Tips

on October 30, 2023 in ABR Blog, Career and Job Search Tips, Interview Tips

Phone interviews are a common way for employers to screen candidates before inviting them for an in-person meeting. They can be challenging, especially if you are not used to talking on the phone for a long time or if you have a lot of background noise. However, with some preparation and practice, you can ace your phone interview and make a great impression on your potential employer. Here are some phone interview tips to secure a second interview.

1. Do your research.

Before the phone interview, make sure you have done some research on the company, the role, and the interviewer. You should know what the company does, what their values and goals are, and how you can contribute to their success. You should also have some questions ready to ask the interviewer about the job, the team, and the company culture. Doing your research will show that you are interested and motivated, and will help you tailor your answers to fit their expectations.

2. Prepare your environment.

Choose a quiet and comfortable place where you can conduct your phone interview without any interruptions or distractions. Make sure you have a good phone connection, a charger, a pen and paper, and a copy of your resume and cover letter. You may also want to have some water nearby in case you get thirsty. Avoid using speakerphone or headphones, as they can affect the sound quality and make you sound distant or muffled.

3. Practice your answers.

One of the advantages of phone interviews is that you can have some notes or bullet points in front of you to help you remember your main points. However, you should not read from a script or sound rehearsed. You should practice your answers to common phone interview questions, such as:

“Tell me about yourself”
“Why do you want to work for us?”
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“How do you handle stress or conflict?”

You should also prepare some examples or stories that demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and show how you solved problems, overcame challenges, or added value in previous situations.

4. Be confident and professional.

During the phone interview, try to sound confident and enthusiastic, but not arrogant or desperate. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and avoid filler words like “um” or “like”. Use positive language and avoid complaining or criticizing your previous employers or coworkers. Smile as you talk, as it will make you sound more friendly and relaxed. Also, be respectful and courteous to the interviewer, and address them by their name. Thank them for their time and opportunity at the beginning and end of the interview.

5. Follow up.

After the phone interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours. Express your appreciation for their time and interest, restate your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and highlight one or two key points that make you a strong candidate. You can also use this opportunity to ask about the next steps in the hiring process or clarify any doubts or concerns you may have. A follow-up email will show that you are professional and courteous, and will keep you on top of their mind.

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