Telephone interview tips

by Michael Cheary

More and more companies are turning to telephone interviews as their ideal way of screening people for roles.

It saves time, cuts costs, and lets them filter through applications efficiently. But aside from treating it the same as a regular interview, how can you make sure you’re best prepared when you finally get the call?

We’ve already covered some common phone interview questions, but to help you stand out, here is our advice for telephone interviews, covering everything from preparation to the all-important follow-up:

When are telephone interviews used?

Usually, a phone interview is the first stage of an interview process.

It’s a screening tool used by recruiters or hiring managers to create a shortlist of applicants who are worth bringing in for a face-to-face or video interview.

It’s typically a 15 to 30-minute chat to check your communication skills, verify the details on your CV, and see if your salary expectations align with their budget.

How to ask about salary in an interview

How to prepare for a telephone interview

You wouldn’t walk into an in-person interview without knowing who you’re meeting or what the company does. The same rules apply here. Learning how to prepare for a phone interview is about controlling the controllables. Here are our top tips:

Before the interview

• Get your setup right - Find a quiet place with good signal. If you live with family or flatmates, warn them in advance that you need complete silence. The last thing you need is someone asking if you want a cup of tea right as you’re explaining your biggest career achievement.

• Charge your tech - It sounds obvious, but ensure your phone/laptop/whatever device you’re using to take the call is fully charged. If you’re using a landline, make sure the handset isn’t going to die mid-sentence.
• Create a cheat sheet - One of the best phone interview techniques is utilising the fact that they can’t see you. Stick your CV and the job description up on the wall or have them on a screen in front of you - and highlight key skills they’re looking for so you can reference them seamlessly.

During the interview

• Stand up - Standing up opens your diaphragm and projects your voice better. It also helps you feel more energetic and authoritative than if you’re slumped on the sofa.
• Keep water nearby - Nerves can give you a dry mouth, which leads to coughing fits or awkward pauses. Have a glass of water to hand - just make sure you don’t gulp it down loudly while they’re talking.
• Smile as you speak - It might feel odd, especially when nobody can see you, but smiling actually changes your tone, making you sound more friendly and confident. It’s a subtle way to let your enthusiasm come through.

How to deal with job interview stress

Telephone interview dos and don’ts

To ensure you make the best possible impression, here are our top telephone interview tips on what you should (and definitely shouldn’t) do:

Do:

Your research - Just like a face-to-face interview, start by finding out as much as you can about the company. Find out about the size and structure of the business, its products and services, and the markets it works in (including looking at competitor websites). The best place to start is the employer’s website, but also keep an eye out for news articles, which may mention plans for growth and expansion. Researching a company thoroughly shows you’re serious about the role.

Write down any questions you want to ask - A phone interview is a really good opportunity to find out more about the role you’ve applied for, the company culture, and opportunities for growth. And always make sure you have a pen and paper handy for note-taking (here’s our list of interview questions for employers, just in case you’re struggling for inspiration).

Have your CV to hand - In all probability, the recruiter will have a copy of it too, so you may not be asked about it in detail. However, they may open the interview by asking questions about your experience. It’s also a good way to ease into the call while allowing them to find out how communicative you are. If you need to brush yours up beforehand, check out our CV templates.

Smile - OK, so we know it sounds strange - but it actually works. Although your interviewer can’t see you (because that would be weird), always try and remain smiling throughout the conversation. It helps ensure you sound upbeat and, according to research, people can actually hear you smile. You have been warned.

Listen - Undoubtedly the most important element to consider. Take on board all elements of their questions, and make a note of anything that seems of particular importance, just in case they refer back to it later. Even if they don’t, you can use it as a cheat sheet when answering the inevitable ‘any other questions’ invitation at the end of the interview.

Other telephone interview tips: turn your mobile notifications off, enunciate, and remember to breathe.

Don’t:

Treat it differently from a face-to-face interview - As strange as it sounds, it’s a good idea to dress like a professional. Obviously the interviewer can’t see you, but it’s harder to feel - and therefore sound - professional if you’re still sitting in your dressing gown. What you wear to the interview still matters, even if it’s just for your own mindset.

Get distracted - You need to remain focused on the task at hand, something that can prove difficult if you still have one eye on the TV. The same goes for your partner or family members. They might be being supportive, but your interview should be a two-way conversation. Having their frantic arm flapping and mouthed words of encouragement in the background will only put you off.

Eat - There is a time and a place for snacking, and five minutes before your phone interview isn’t it. You might think you’re being quiet - but chances are that you aren’t. A mumbled answer because you have a mouthful is memorable, but for all the wrong reasons. Especially important if you’re a nervous eater.

Interrupt - The easiest way to avoid irritating the interviewer is to let them finish their sentence, so always allow for a gap before you begin answering. Not only will it give you time to think of a coherent response, it will also mean you don’t speak over the person you’re trying to impress. Just make sure you approach gaps with a degree of caution. There’s a difference between a courteous pause and an awkward silence…

Sound bored - Remember when we said about remaining attentive a few paragraphs ago? Well, it’s kind of a big deal. Again, it may seem obvious, but when you haven’t done a telephone interview before, it’s easy to overlook. Try to sound positive, and avoid yawning or mumbling your responses. Even if you haven’t understood every single sentence, just go with it. Make the right noises, and you’re a shoo-in for the next stage.

Other telephone interview don’ts: chew gum, smoke, zone out, talk about yourself in the third person, say 'I love you' by accident at the end.

Five common job interview mistakes

Following up after a telephone interview

You’ve hung up the phone. You remembered to smile, you didn’t chew gum, and you answered their questions. You’re done, right? Not quite.

One of the most overlooked phone job interview tips is the follow-up. Send a brief email within 24 hours thanking the interviewer for their time. Reiterate your interest in the role and reference something specific you discussed - it shows you were listening and keeps you fresh in their mind.

If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe they specified (usually a week or two), it’s perfectly acceptable to drop them a polite email asking for an update.

Interview thank you email template

Frequently asked questions

What should I expect in a telephone interview?

Expect a structured conversation led by a recruiter or HR manager. They will likely introduce themselves, give a brief overview of the role, and then move into questions about your CV and experience. It’s less intense than a face-to-face meeting but requires just as much focus.

What questions will I be asked in a telephone interview?

You’ll likely face standard competency questions. Expect classics like 'Tell me about yourself,' 'Why do you want to leave your current role?', 'What are your salary expectations?', and 'Why do you want to work here?'. They are checking for communication skills and basic suitability.

What questions should I ask in a telephone interview?

Always have questions ready. Good options include: 'What does a typical day look like in this role?', 'how would you describe the company culture?', and 'what are the next steps in the recruitment process?'.

How long is a telephone interview?

Most telephone interviews last between 15 and 30 minutes. However, if the conversation is going well, it could run up to 45 minutes. Always block out an hour in your calendar just in case so you aren’t rushing to get off the phone.

Browse all interview tips and advice

Still searching for your perfect position? Have a look at all of our current vacancies now