8 Tips to Help Master Your Next Phone Interview

An interview is a critical conversation used by companies to narrow down their list of preferred candidates, helping to determine who will make it further in hiring process. These conversations generally take place in person, on a video call or over the phone.

Going into a phone interview with confidence is a great way to make a lasting impression on an interviewer. Here are eight phone interview tips that can help to ensure you’re prepared and ready to do your best.

1. Do Your Research

Do your research on the company — look at their website, social media profile and the job description of the role you applied for very carefully. Does the position match to your skills, goals and interests? Do your values align with the company values and mission? More companies are noticing candidates placing an emphasis on aligning their job search with their personal values, so knowing how a company’s viewpoints are similar or different to your own can help guide your decision about a potential employer.

It can also be helpful to find out who will be conducting the phone interview and learn a little bit more about the interviewer through LinkedIn. This research can help you determine how their role might work with the one you’re interested in. Learning about projects they’ve worked on and what their job is like day-to-day can provide valuable insight into what it’s like to work at the company. Taking the time to network and utilize tools like LinkedIn makes for great relationship building. Maybe you attended the same school as a potential colleague. Commonalities between you and the interviewer can make for great icebreakers and build rapport.

2. Highlight Your Experiences During the Interview

It’s important to think about your experience and how it aligns to the position you have applied for. Make sure you are comfortable discussing how your skills will support the requirements of the role and have examples prepared from your education and previous roles to further demonstrate your abilities. Be prepared to answer interview questions about challenges you’ve had to overcome, and how you work with others.

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3. Be Prepared to Answer Questions About Your Work Preferences

When you’re on the job search, every interview is different. However, there are several common interview questions that will appear such as, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", "What is your ideal work environment?", "What are your short- and long-term goals?". Clearly articulate your answers, be open about what your strengths are, what you like to work on and what kind of work environment you thrive in.

If you’re nervous, it never hurts to ask a family member or friend to do a mock interview and practice answering potential phone interview questions.

4. Have Notes to Reference During the Phone Interview

Prepare notes with answers to the common interview questions and have your resume handy so you can list the key facts of your background and experiences that you want to highlight. Because the interviewer can’t see you while you’re on the phone, you can comfortably refer to your notes without them being aware. Take advantage of this, and make sure you have them nearby and written out clearly.

The STAR interview method can be helpful when answering questions — outline the situation or task, describe the action you took and share the results on your involvement.

A graphic with 8 tips to help master a phone interview listed.

5. Dress for the Job You Want

Even though the interviewer cannot see you, it’s important to still dress for the role you want. How you dress for a job interview can influence your mindset. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, and you’re presenting yourself in a professional way (even though they can’t see you).

6. Prepare Your Space

You want to have your phone interview in a quiet space, with limited interruptions or distractions. Before the interview starts, make sure you find a spot that limits the possibility of noises and interruption. Be ready for the phone call at least five to 10 minutes early, and make sure your phone is fully charged. It also may be helpful to utilize headphones during the interview, so your hands can be free to reference notes or go over your resume.

7. Share Your Passion and Be Curious

Even though the interviewer isn’t meeting you in person, it’s still important to let your passion shine through. Companies want to hire people who are enthusiastic about their work and the company. Let the interviewer know why you are excited about the opportunity.

A job interview is an opportunity to learn more about the role, but also the company. In general, it’s a best practice to prepare some questions in advance about job requirements, how the team functions and what the management style is like. You can also ask if there is anything in your application that may prevent you from being a good fit for the role. This will give you an opportunity to address any concerns your interviewer may have.

8. Make Sure to Follow Up After Your Phone Interview

It’s important to thank the interviewer for their time and let them know you enjoyed the conversation. Then you can follow up by questioning them about next steps. It’s not uncommon for a candidate to ask where they are in the interview process and what their timeframe is for hiring someone. You can also ask if they need you to provide any additional information. These questions will give you some insight on the process and indicate to the interviewer that you are serious about this opportunity, your career path and your professional growth.

As a final touch, follow up with a thank-you email as well. It’s the next best thing to an in-person handshake — and leaves a lasting impression.

If you’d like to read more interview tips visit our Career Advice section for more career content.

*This article was originally developed by Aston Carter EMEA and adapted for Aston Carter North America.