If your resume has made it into the “yes” pile, the next step is often a phone screening. This initial conversation allows employers to quickly assess your communication skills, confirm key details about your experience, and determine whether you’re a good fit for the role before investing time in a formal interview.
While phone interviews may seem more casual than in-person meetings, they are just as important.
Your ability to make a strong impression can determine whether you move forward in the hiring process. To ensure you stand out, preparation is key.
Here are six important tips that will help you ace your next phone interview.
1. Be Prepared
Basic preparation steps include having your resume in front of you, making sure you have a good phone signal, and allocating enough time for the phone interview, even if it goes beyond what was scheduled.
Additionally, find a quiet, comfortable space where you can speak freely without background noise or interruptions. Have a notepad and pen handy to jot down key points or questions that arise during the conversation. Finally, ensure your phone is fully charged and consider using headphones for clearer audio, allowing you to focus entirely on the conversation without distractions.
2. Research The Company And The Interviewer
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The first question I used to ask job seekers was, “What do you know about us?” If I did not think they had spent the time to do their homework, they were immediately downgraded. So, spend some time researching the company before your phone interview. Check out their website and social media accounts, and see what employees say about them on Glassdoor.
Also, go to LinkedIn and review the background of the person conducting the interview. Check if the manager you will be reporting to participates in LinkedIn groups and discussions, and see if you have anything in common.
3. Exude Energy And Interest
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The words you use account for only 15% of the effectiveness of your communication. Intonation and body language play a much bigger role, and since a phone interview eliminates body language, your voice becomes your most powerful tool. Put energy into your tone and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm—it makes a lasting impression.
An old telemarketing trick is to keep a mirror in front of you and smile while speaking, as this naturally brightens your tone and makes you sound more engaging. Standing up while talking can also help project confidence and keep your energy levels high. Additionally, using hand gestures, even though unseen, can add natural inflection to your speech, making you sound more dynamic and conversational.
4. Ask Questions And Build Rapport
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People hire people they like, so it is important to turn the interview into a conversation by asking intelligent questions. Show off your expertise by following up their question with an insightful question of your own. Those who just answer questions and wait for the next question will lose here. Use a conversational tone, as if you are having lunch with a friend, telling a story, instead of just responding to questions.
For example, here are two ways to respond to, “Can you tell me about your experience at Bank of America?”
“At Bank of America, I was hired to oversee the integration of systems that were the result from acquisitions.”
Or…
“You know, that was a really challenging experience because I had to integrate all the different systems that were the result of acquisitions. You can just imagine how tricky that would be since there were so many differences between them, and I had to research and document the trade-offs from an integration of each one.”
Which is more interesting? I did some interview coaching with a highly accomplished technical manager at Intel who was getting interviews and no callbacks. It was immediately clear that he was just responding to questions in a fairly monotone manner and was about as interesting as a memory chip. After some coaching on how to build rapport using the above technique, he had three offers in four weeks.
5. Ask The Most Important Question
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Companies have a reason they are looking for talent and it is your job to find out what their chief source of “pain” is. Do this by asking:
“What is the biggest challenge someone will face in this job in the next six months?”
This lets you target your responses and demonstrate how you have successfully handled these challenges before.
6. See If They Have Any Concerns
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Don’t just end the call wondering how you did. Ask them directly. If you’re interviewing for a sales position, this is especially important, as it demonstrates confidence and the ability to close. Say something like:
“Based on what we discussed today, do you think I am a strong candidate for this position?”
Their response will give you valuable insight into where you stand. If they hesitate or mention concerns, this is your opportunity to address any doubts and reinforce why you’re the right fit. Plus, expressing genuine interest and seeking feedback shows initiative—something hiring managers appreciate in any role.
By using these six simple techniques in your next phone interview, you’ll be sure to make a strong impression on the employer and, hopefully, move on to the next step in the hiring process. Preparation, professionalism, and a confident yet friendly tone can set you apart from other candidates. Remember to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up with a thank-you email to reinforce your interest in the role.
With these strategies in place, you’ll increase your chances of turning a phone interview into a job offer!
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