Are you preparing for a phone interview or video call for a potential new job? Here are some phone interview tips from a talent recruiter. These exercises are proven in helping job candidates build confidence and increase job search success.  

1. Research the company 

There are several ways to research a company before a phone interview. Start by reviewing their website to find out all you can about the hiring company. Additionally, reach out to current employees to ask a couple of questions and see what the company is like from their perspective. LinkedIn can be a simple way to do this. If you live or currently work nearby, visit the company in person, introduce yourself to someone, and learn what you can about the company.  

Glassdoor reviews can also provide great insights, as many professionals use this platform to share their experiences working for specific companies. The more you learn about an organization, the better prepared you’ll be to answer questions during your phone interview. Furthermore, you’ll also be able to develop meaningful questions to ask the interviewer.  

2. Practice your answers to common job interview questions 

Be prepared to answer questions like this: “What does a day at work look like for you?” You’ll want to be comfortable in answering that question with details about what your day-to-day activities entail from start to finish. Why is this important? A thorough and practiced answer shows that you are confident in your abilities and knowledge about your responsibilities. This is a big part of the interview process.  

Also, be prepared to answer questions about your accomplishments. Rather than focusing solely on tasks you have performed, emphasize what you have achieved and how your work has positively impacted the business, your team, or your customers. Another great way to prepare for a phone call or video interview is to stage a mock interview with a friend, colleague, or family member. Ask their opinion on ways you might improve your communication skills, body language, facial expressions, and other things that can improve your performance during the job interview (for instance, don’t chew gum during a job interview). Here are more tips on how to practice for an interview.  

3. Choose a quiet and professional space for the call 

If your interview is done over the computer, be sure to log into the video interview early. Make sure you have a good internet connection and that your video and audio work properly. Be sure the lighting in the room is good – it’s important for the interviewer to see your face clearly, rather than just a shadow. Avoid doing a phone interview from your car, as it may cause excessive background noise. Instead, find a professional and quiet place.

If you’re interviewing from home, close and lock the door to prevent distractions (e.g., pets, children walking in, etc.) that could disrupt the flow of your interview. Having a copy of your resume, pen, paper, and a glass of water close by is a good idea. Your goal is to make a positive first impression on the potential employer by giving them your complete and undivided attention.

4. Prepare a list of questions for the interviewer 

Here are some ideas of questions to ask during an interview. Keep in mind that you are interviewing the hiring manager or other human resource professional just as much as they are interviewing you. Consider asking questions like these, along with others that may relate to the job description, the company, or company goals and challenges:   

• What’s the company’s culture like? 
• What are the expectations of me at 30 days (60 days, 90 days)?  
• Can you tell me about your training program? 
• What potential is there for growth and advancement in the months and years ahead? 

Create a cheat sheet with your questions to ensure you remember them during the call. 

Get more tips and solid career advice for your job search  

Job interviews often start with phone calls or virtual meetings to screen candidates, and then progress to in-person interviews with hiring managers, as well as face-to-face interviews with other decision-makers during the hiring process. So, you want to perform at your best from the get-go and make it to the next round! 

Goodwin Recruiting posts new jobs on our website every day, if you’re looking for something new, feel free to explore our job board. Whether you’re a job seeker looking for assistance from a recruiter or a hiring manager in need of support to find great candidates for your team, please reach out to me at any time.    

Wishing you all the best in your job search journey! I’d love to provide you with guidance and access to opportunities that are a great fit for you.