Phone Interview Tips

You have made it to a phone interview for what will hopefully be the next positive step in your career. Interviews can be nerve-racking experiences; however, they need not be if you prepare yourself in the right way. Below are a few key tips that will help you prepare, putting you on the best path for interview success.

Before the interview

Research the organisation and the role
Taking the time to learn as much as possible about the company’s services and products, as well as its customers and
competitors, will give you an edge during the interview.
This knowledge is the foundation on which you will construct answers that demonstrate your ability to perform in the role.
Being able to demonstrate this information also highlights your diligent and conscientious approach – fine attributes in any
prospective employee.

Know your CV
Often an interview will be based around the experience you have outlined in your CV.

Ensure that you are familiar with the contents of your CV, including any gaps in employment.

You will come across badly if you are unable to refer accurately to the CV you submitted and you could give the impression that
you have not provided an honest summary of your background and skills.

Familiarise yourself with commonly asked interview questions
There are several key questions that are used time and time again in interview situations (See Pathway’s guide to FAQs).

Use these questions to show yourself off to your best advantage by familiarising yourself with them and planning your answers and examples.

Be prepared
Have your CV and any notes in front of you to refer to if necessary.
Although you will have been through them during your preparation for the role, in a stressful interview situation they can be a
valuable prompt.

Dress for the moment– seems strange but it can help!
Dressing to impress is as much about how it makes you feel as it is for making an impression on other people.

In the case of a phone interview it can improve how you come across by making you feel more confident and businesslike.

Know when to expect the call.

Be sure about the expected time of the call so you can find a quiet spot to take it in and complete the interview without being disturbed.

During the interview
Show your enthusiasm

Be enthusiastic about the experience and skills you could contribute to the position you are being interviewed for; you can’t expect anyone else to be excited about the role you could play if you aren’t.

Although you do not have your biggest tools for conveying enthusiasm available: your face and gestures, moving around can
help to make you sound engaged, so why not stand up for the call.

Listen to the questions you are asked
Answering questions under pressure is difficult, but try to avoid going off on tangents. If you do wander off the point try and refocus your answer as you bring it to a close.

If you are not clear about the question you are being asked do not be afraid to ask for clarification.

Prepare your questions
As the interview is closing you will often be asked if you have any questions. You should use this part of the interview as an opportunity to demonstrate your research on the company.

This is also a chance for you to find out a little more about the role and the company, after all you want to be sure it is the right position for you.

A good question to use in this part of the interview is “Do you feel that I am a good fit for this role?” Their answer will provide you
with an opportunity to address any concerns they seem to have about your suitability.