Be Prepared to Interview
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical phone interview questions.
Top tips
- Research the company.
- Have the phone near.
- Go somewhere quiet.
Tips
- It is often useful to work through some practice questions to help you to feel prepared for the questions that may come up and to practice saying these answers out loud.
- Plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.
- Do some research on the company and the role.
- Keep your CV in front of you to help prompt you when answering questions.
- Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
- Avoid any distractions – take the call in a quiet room.
- If the time isn’t convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
During the Phone Interview
- Don’t chew gum or eat, but keep a glass of water handy in case you need to wet your mouth.
- Smile – this will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Use the person’s title (Mr/Ms and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
- Take your time – it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
- Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
- Give short answers – focus on the key points you want to get across.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and ask what the next step will be.
After the Interview
Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.