So, you’ve landed a phone interview for your dream job? That’s a big win! But as you know, just being selected for an interview isn’t enough. You need to put in the work to ensure you’re ready to shine. The phone interview is often the first step in the hiring process, and how you prepare could make all the difference between landing that job or getting lost in the pile of applicants.
Let’s start with a quick example.
You’re on a phone interview, and the hiring manager asks you, “Tell me about your previous role and how your experience relates to this job.” You freeze. What do you say? How do you respond? If you haven’t prepared, it’s easy to get stuck. But, if you’ve practiced, have your answers ready, and are aware of what the company is looking for, you’ll speak confidently and leave a lasting impression.
Preparation is crucial. Whether you’re in a phone interview or preparing for an in-person interview, it’s the effort you put into your prep that will set you apart. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for a phone interview and ace it, step by step.
Why Preparation Matters for a Phone Interview
When you’re new to a country like the United States, the challenges in the job market can feel overwhelming. You may be competing against locals and trying to understand a new culture, a different job market, and how to stand out. This is where good preparation comes in. You want to make sure that you come across as the right person for the job—someone with the right skills, enthusiasm, and understanding of the company’s values. Without preparation, you may find yourself lost in conversation or answering in a way that doesn’t highlight your best qualities.
Hiring managers aren’t just looking for someone who has the technical skills for the job. They also assess your ability to communicate effectively, cultural fit, and self-awareness. A well-prepared candidate gives the best impression, even over the phone.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare for a Phone Interview
1. Research the Company and the Job Description
Before you even pick up the phone, make sure you understand the job you’re applying for. Review the job description carefully. Highlight key skills required for the position and ensure you know the company’s culture. A strong understanding of both will help you tailor your responses and show you’ve done your homework.
Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, or the company’s website are great research places. Look for any information on the company’s mission, their latest projects, and even any feedback from current or former employees.
2. Prepare Your Key Points and Stories
Phone interviews often focus on specific interview questions like:
“Tell me about your biggest strengths and weaknesses.”
“Why are you interested in this position?”
“How did your previous role prepare you for this job?”
You should expect to be asked about the skills you listed on your resume. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your experience with specific examples, especially those that align with the job description. Practice answering these questions clearly and concisely. Avoid rambling; hiring managers appreciate smart, to-the-point answers.
Don’t just recite your resume. Instead, focus on how your previous role made you the right person for the position. It’s about showing them why you’re the right fit, not just a fit.
3. Master Phone Interview Questions
Some phone interview questions are more common than others. Here’s a list to get you started:
Tell me about yourself.
What interests you about this role?
What are your career goals?
Can you describe a challenging situation you’ve faced at work and how you overcame it?
Why did you leave your last job?
The best way to handle these common interview questions is to practice answering them. But don’t memorize answers word-for-word; you want your responses to sound natural. This will help you avoid sounding robotic and allow you to respond with more energy and focus.
4. Create Your Cheat Sheet
During a phone interview, you have an advantage that candidates in in-person interviews don’t—you can have a cheat sheet in front of you. Use this to your advantage. Write down your key points, specific examples, and any important facts about the company and job title.
This should be your “cheat sheet” for the interview—note the job description, your resume highlights, and the questions you want to ask the interviewer. Just be careful not to get too reliant on it—remember, a phone interview is still a conversation. You need to sound engaged and not read from a script.
5. Practice with a Family Member or Friend
To build confidence, practice with someone else. This could be a family member, a friend, or a mentor who can ask you some common interview questions. Having a mock interview is a great way to simulate the real thing and identify areas where you need improvement.
This practice helps you not only with the content of your answers but also with your tone. A phone interview is tricky because your voice is your only tool. You can’t rely on body language, so speaking with a friendly, enthusiastic tone is key. You want to sound confident and engaged, not distracted or uninterested.
6. Prepare Thoughtful Questions
It’s important to remember that a phone interview isn’t just about answering questions; it’s also your chance to ask the interviewer questions. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the company and the role.
Examples of good questions include:
“What does success look like in this position?”
“Can you tell me more about the company’s culture?”
“What are the biggest challenges the company is facing right now?”
Asking these questions will give you more insight into the role and help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you.
7. Test Your Tech and Environment
Before the phone interview, double-check the tech setup. Is your phone charged? Do you have good reception? Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted—don’t try to conduct a phone interview while walking down a busy street or with a loud TV in the background. It’s a good idea to have a notebook and pen ready in case you need to jot down any important points or reminders during the conversation. Avoid chewing gum or snacking during the interview. These distractions can make you sound unprofessional or disengaged.
8. Focus on Body Language (Yes, Really!)
While you can’t see the interviewer, your body language still matters in a phone interview. Even though the interviewer can’t see you, you should still stand or sit up straight, smile, and maintain good posture. This affects the way your voice sounds—when you stand or sit up straight, you’ll project more confidence and sound more engaged.
Interview Skills Apps and Websites for Practice
To help you prepare more effectively, check out these five apps and websites that offer interview prep and job search resources:
Big Interview (Website) – Big Interview offers a range of tools, from a step-by-step interview preparation guide to mock interview sessions.
Interviewing.io (Website) – Focused on tech jobs, this site offers mock interviews with engineers from top companies.
LinkedIn Learning (Website/App) – Access video courses on interview techniques and soft skills, such as public speaking, to help you improve your communication.
Pramp (Website) – Pramp offers free peer interviews and provides a real-time mock interview experience with feedback from your peers.
The Muse (Website) – The Muse offers a variety of interview prep tools, including video lessons and articles that focus on specific interview questions and strategies.
Nail That Phone Interview: Your Path to Success
In the fast-paced world of job hunting, preparing for a phone interview can be your golden ticket to the next step in the hiring process. Preparation is key, whether you’re new to the job market or navigating a new country. By researching the company, practicing common interview questions, and creating a solid strategy for your phone interview, you’ll increase your chances of making the best impression possible.
The key takeaway? Your phone interview is your moment to showcase your skills, enthusiasm, and self-awareness. Show the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job by coming prepared with thoughtful answers, research, and questions that reflect your interest in the role and company culture.
So, take a deep breath, get ready to hit those key points, and confidently step into that phone interview. Success is waiting, and it all starts with being prepared. You’ve got this!
