How to ace your telephone interview

Are you feeling anxious about making a strong impression over the phone?

Worried that you won’t be able to showcase your skills and personality effectively without face-to-face interaction? You’re not alone.

The uncertainty and pressure of a telephone interview can be overwhelming. You might wonder how to convey your enthusiasm, demonstrate your qualifications, and establish a connection with the interviewer—all without the benefit of body language and direct eye contact.

It's natural to feel stressed, but the good news is that you can turn this challenge into an opportunity with the right preparation.

This guide is designed to help you achieve exactly that. Let’s dive into our top tips for preparation and success so you can ace your telephone interview and land the job you deserve. We’ve put together some top tips on how to prepare.

Do your research

Imagine this: you pick up the phone, and from the moment you say hello, you feel confident and in control. You answer questions with ease, your responses are clear and concise, and you leave the interviewer impressed and eager to move you to the next stage.

Sounds great, right?

To prepare for this, research the company thoroughly, just as you would for an in-person interview. Avoid the temptation to Google during the call; it can distract you from key questions and cause you to miss important details. Instead, be ready to answer questions like, “What do you know about the company?” without relying on the internet.

Start with a general overview of the company, then dive into specifics—structure, culture, future plans, products, and services. Their website and social media are excellent resources.

Finally, look up your hiring manager on LinkedIn. Learning about their experience, projects, and career path can provide helpful context and make the process smoother..

Recap your CV and cover letter

The purpose of this first phone interview is to scrutinise the authenticity of the information you provided. Be sure to read over every detail in your resume, cover, and application letter beforehand.

Think of questions that the potential employer may drive from the information in there and prepare to answer them. If you want tips on how to improve on your cover letter, here's a guide.

An advantage of a telephone interview is that you can check for facts from your CV and cover letter during the session (but be careful they don't act as an interruption). 

Keep your answers concise 

Conversational pauses on the phone can feel awkward, so it can be tempting to fill the silence with unnecessary conversation. 

Explaining a fact in a short, concise, and understandable manner is priceless. Employers in energy, process, and manufacturing industries want people who can easily simplify complex issues. Therefore, answer queries in an orderly way without touching excessive info that the employer already knows or hasn't asked.

The interviewer will use any pauses in conversation to process your answer, so don’t worry if there are any little silences between your answers. 

Common phone interview mistakes to avoid

Source: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels.com

Treating the interview too casually: Conducting the interview in a noisy or distracting environment or neglecting to dress professionally can set a less serious tone. Treat the call as if it were an in-person interview.

Failing to prepare: Not researching the company, role, or interviewer often leads to vague or uninformed answers. This might give the impression that you're not serious about the opportunity.

Handling multiple tasks during the call: Trying to check notes or researching information mid-call can be distracting and make you sound unprepared.

Not asking questions: Thoughtful questions demonstrate your interest in the company and can help you learn more about the role.

Not listening closely: Take a brief pause to ensure you understand each question before answering.

Video interviews vs phone interviews: what are the differences?

If you’ve been looking for a job over the last year, you will likely have experienced a few different interview formats to accommodate social distancing measures. 

Whilst there are some similarities between telephone and video interviews, there are many ways in which the preparation is different:

During your job search, it’s worth ensuring you are prepared for both types of interviews.

How to answer these 10 common telephone interview questions

Telephone interviews are a critical part of the hiring process. They help employers quickly identify strong candidates and screen out those who may not fit well. Preparing for these interviews is essential. Here are ten common telephone interview questions and example answers to help you prepare.

1. Tell me about yourself

This is often the first question asked, serving as an icebreaker. Keep your answer professional and concise.

Example answer:

"I'm currently working as a marketing coordinator at XYZ Company, where I've managed several successful campaigns, including a recent project that increased our social media engagement by 40%. I graduated with a degree in Marketing from ABC University and have three years of experience in digital marketing. I'm passionate about creating compelling content and am now looking to take the next step in my career with a company like yours."

2. Why are you interested in this position?

Employers want to know if you've done your homework and understand the role and the company.

Example answer:

"I've been following your company for a while and admire your innovative approach to sustainable technology. This position aligns perfectly with my skills and career goals, particularly in project management and environmental advocacy. I'm excited to contribute to a team making a real difference in the industry."

3. What are your strengths?

Focus on strengths that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Example answer:

"One of my key strengths is my attention to detail, which has helped me successfully manage complex projects. Additionally, I'm highly adaptable and can quickly learn new software and processes, which has been beneficial in keeping up with industry changes."

4. What are your weaknesses?

This can be tricky. Choose a real weakness that isn't a dealbreaker and explain how you're working to improve it.

Example answer:

"I used to struggle with delegation because I was concerned about the quality of the work. However, I've been working on this by building trust in my team and improving my communication skills to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities. This has not only helped in distributing tasks more effectively but also in team growth."

5. Why are you leaving your current job?

Be honest but tactful. Avoid speaking negatively about your current or previous employers.

Example answer:

"I've enjoyed my time at my current company, but I’m looking for new challenges that align more closely with my career aspirations. Specifically, I’m interested in opportunities that offer greater responsibility and the chance to work on larger, more impactful projects."

6. How do you handle stress and pressure?

Employers want to know if you can maintain performance under pressure.

Example answer:

"I handle stress by staying organised and maintaining a positive attitude. When facing tight deadlines, I prioritise my tasks and break them down into manageable steps. I also find that regular exercise and short breaks throughout the day help me stay focused and energised."

7. Can you describe a challenge and how you overcame It?

Share a specific example that highlights your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Example answer:

"In my last role, we faced a sudden drop in website traffic due to a change in search engine algorithms. I led a team to quickly identify the issue and implement a new SEO strategy. We conducted keyword research, updated our content, and improved our site’s load time. We regained our previous traffic levels within three months and saw a 10% increase."

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers want to ensure your goals align with the company’s trajectory.

Example answer:

"In five years, I see myself in a senior management role, contributing to strategic decisions and mentoring junior staff. I hope to have grown within your company, helping to drive innovation and achieve our shared goals."

9. How do you prioritise your work?

Show that you can manage your time and tasks effectively.

Example answer:

"I prioritise my work by combining to-do lists and project management tools. I start by identifying the most urgent and important tasks, then schedule my day accordingly. I also make sure to set aside time for unexpected issues that may arise."

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Always have a few questions prepared. This shows your interest in the role and the company.

Example answer:

"Yes, I do. Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with? Also, what are the key performance indicators for this role, and how is success typically measured?"

Being prepared with thoughtful answers to these common questions can significantly boost your confidence and performance during a telephone interview. Good luck!

Read our jobseeker's guide to finding your next role

Additionally, here are six questions to ask during a telephone interview

Source: CNBC.com

Asking questions during an interview is just as important as answering them. Thoughtful questions demonstrate your genuine interest in the role, showcase your attentiveness and reflect your enthusiasm for joining the company.

This exchange can transform the interview into a productive conversation, highlighting your curiosity and commitment to understanding how you can contribute effectively.

Here are six effective questions to ask your interviewer over the phone:

1. What is the one thing a new hire can achieve that would blow your mind?

This tells hiring managers that you're strategic and able to think ahead. 

2. What does success look like in this role, both short-term and long-term?

This shows your interest in contributing effectively and aligning with their expectations

2. Can you describe the team dynamics and the role’s impact on the team?

This can help you understand the work environment and how your role fits within the broader team.

3. What are the company’s current goals, and how does this role contribute to achieving them?

This demonstrates your interest in the company's vision and the role’s strategic importance.

4. What skills or qualities have made past employees successful in this position?

This provides insight into the traits and skills they value, giving you a sense of how to stand out.

5. How would you describe the company's culture and any unique aspects of the work environment?

This shows you're considering the company's culture and whether it aligns with your values and work style.

Find your next job with Airswift

At Airswift, we have helped top engineering professionals secure their dream jobs in many locations worldwide. Visit our jobs board today, and let us connect you with your next job.