What Employers Look For In A Phone Interview

What Is a Phone Interview?

A phone interview, also known as a phone screen interview, is often your first formal interaction with a potential employer.

Typically lasting 15-30 minutes, it’s usually conducted by a recruiter or hiring manager to screen candidates quickly. 

A phone interview typically focuses on:

Understanding the phone interview process helps you know what to expect and how to prepare your responses, so you can make a strong impression even without face-to-face interaction.

What Employers Look for in a Phone Interview

You may ask yourself, what’s the point of a phone interview? Eager to get your next job, you would be forgiven to assume the recruiter or hiring manager would set up a regular interview if they want to speak with you.

However, consider all the other applicants your employer may have to filter through. The initial sorting is usually performed by an applicant tracking system (ATS), which scans resumes for specific qualifications and keywords, sending only the most relevant applications forward.

From here, the recruiter or hiring manager needs to pick out the best candidates on paper, but therein lies the rub. Resumes and cover letters can only tell so much about a potential employee. 

Employers use a phone screen interview to assess the applicant and see if they are worth further consideration.

If the candidate cannot answer basic questions or even conduct a phone interview, it saves the employer the hassle of bringing them in.

How to Prepare for a Phone Interview

Now that you know what employers are looking for in a phone interview, you can better prepare for it. 

Good preparation increases your chances of getting through the screening process and in-person interviews.

There are five key points you will want to consider when getting ready:

Let’s explore each one of these in more detail so you can see just what you need to do to succeed.

Research the Company & Role

Researching the company and the role you’re applying for is crucial when preparing for a phone screen interview. This allows you to align your responses with the company’s values and the job’s requirements, demonstrating your genuine interest and fit for the position. 

What to consider when researching:

Effective research for a phone interview not only helps you answer questions confidently but also shows the interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity.

Setting & Environment

Creating the right environment for your phone interview is essential for minimizing distractions and ensuring you can focus on the conversation. 

To do this:

By setting up your phone interview environment thoughtfully, you can stay calm and focused, allowing you to engage effectively with the interviewer without worrying about interruptions or technical difficulties.

Practice Common Phone Interview Questions

Practicing for your phone screen interview is crucial for building confidence and ensuring that your responses are clear and concise. Being well-prepared helps you make a strong impression, even without the visual cues of an in-person interview.

Popular phone interview questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What do you know about our company?
• Can you describe your relevant experience?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Do you have any questions for us?

As you can see, many of these are classic job interview questions. In fact, the phone screen allows the interviewer to ask the most basic questions so that the in-person interview can be more focused on more important and specific behavioral questions.

How to prepare for phone interview questions:

Effective practice for a phone interview can significantly improve your performance, ensuring you communicate your qualifications and enthusiasm with confidence.

Take Notes & Have Key Information Ready

Having notes and key information ready during your phone interview can help you stay organized and ensure you cover all essential points. While you don’t want to sound scripted, having a few notes handy can provide helpful prompts.

What to have ready during the interview:

Taking well-organized phone interview notes and having key information at your fingertips can help you navigate the interview with confidence and professionalism.

Dress the Part

Even though the interviewer can’t see you during a phone interview, dressing professionally can have a positive impact on your confidence and performance. How you dress influences your mindset, helping you approach the interview with a more focused and professional attitude.

The psychological impact of dressing professionally:

While it might seem unnecessary, dressing for a phone interview can give you that extra edge, helping you approach the conversation with the same level of professionalism as you would in any other interview setting.

Phone Interview Etiquette

Proper etiquette during a phone interview is crucial for making a positive impression. Even though you’re not meeting face-to-face, how you conduct yourself over the phone reflects your professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time.

Phone interview tips:

Following these tips will help ensure that you use all your time and energy effectively before and during your phone screen interview, but what about afterward?

Follow Up

Following up after a phone interview is an essential step that can set you apart from other candidates. A thoughtful thank-you note or email not only shows your appreciation but also reinforces your interest in the position.

What to include in your thank you:

Sending a phone interview follow-up note demonstrates your professionalism and keeps you engaged in the hiring process.

Common Phone Interview Mistakes

Phone interviews can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes that might cost you the opportunity. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and present yourself in the best possible light.

Common phone interview mistakes:

These mistakes can make all the difference in whether or not you will be asked for another interview. Therefore, do your best to avoid these pitfalls. 

If you make mistakes, don’t be too hard on yourself, but correct your behavior as soon as possible. By knowing what’s coming and what you want to say, you’ll have a better chance to make an impact during your phone interview.