How to Ace a Phone Interview

How to Ace a Phone Interview

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Person working while on the phone.

Phone interviews can be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never done one before. You want to make sure you come off as confident, articulate and professional — all while answering questions and giving your best impression of yourself. But how do you actually do this? How do you make sure that phone interview goes well?

In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of acing a phone interview. From preparing for the call, to making sure you sound competent and calm, to giving your best answers to questions — read on to learn how to prepare for and ace your next phone interview.

The do’s and don’ts of phone interviews

When it comes to phone interviews, there are a few things you should do in order to make a good impression. First, be sure to find a quiet place where you can focus and won’t be interrupted. Next, make sure you’re well-prepared by having a copy of your resume and any relevant work samples handy. Finally, be sure to smile – the interviewer will be able to hear it in your voice!

On the other hand, there are also a few things you shouldn’t do during a phone interview. First, don’t multi-task – the interviewer will be able to tell if you’re not giving them your full attention. Second, don’t forget to mind your manners – even though it’s just a phone call, you should still use please and thank you. Finally, don’t get too comfortable – although it may be tempting to lounge on your couch or lie in bed during the interview, this will make you seem unprofessional.

How to prepare for a phone interview

When it comes to phone interviews, preparation is key. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your next phone interview:

1. Do your research: Learn as much as you can about the company and the position you’re interviewing for. This will help you ask informed questions and showcase your knowledge during the interview.

2. Practice, practice, practice: Familiarize yourself with common interview questions and practice answering them out loud. This will help you sound confident and prepared when it’s time for your interview.

3. Create a professional environment: Choose a quiet, comfortable place to take the call where you won’t be interrupted or distracted. This will help you focus on the conversation and make a good impression on the interviewer.

4. Dress the part: although they can’t see you, dress as if you were going into an in-person interview. This will help you feel more professional and put-together during the call.

5. Be aware of your body language: Just because they can’t see you doesn’t mean your body language isn’t important! Sit up straight, smile, and make eye contact with the person on the other end of the line to show that you’re engaged in the conversation.

What questions to expect in a phone interview

You should expect questions about your qualifications, experience, and goals during a phone interview. The interviewer may also ask you to elaborate on your answers to previous questions, or ask follow-up questions. Here are some common questions you may be asked during a phone interview:

  1. Why are you interested in this position?
  2. What qualities do you think make someone a good fit for this position?
  3. Can you share some examples of your work experience?
  4. What are your goals for the future?
  5. What do you know about the company and the position you’re interviewing for?
  6. Tell me a little bit about yourself

How to follow up after a phone interview

The most important part of a phone interview is the follow-up. Here are a few tips on how to follow up after a phone interview:

1. Send a thank you email: Be sure to send a thank you email within 24 hours of your interview. This shows that you are interested in the position and appreciate the time that the interviewer took to speak with you.

2. Follow up with any questions: If you had any questions during the interview, be sure to follow up with those in your thank you email or in a separate email. This shows that you were paying attention during the conversation and are still interested in learning more about the position. 3. Inquire about next steps: In your thank you email, it is also appropriate to inquire about next steps in the hiring process. This shows that you are eager to move forward and excited about the opportunity to join the team.

Summary

Acing a phone interview is an important part of the job search process. With the right preparation, you can make a great impression and land your dream job.

Be sure to do your research ahead of time so that you know what to expect, be prepared with examples of your past work experience, practice how to answer tough questions, and let your personality shine through!

Remember that it’s not just about what you say – body language plays a huge role in making a lasting impression on an interviewer. Good luck!