Whether the position you’re applying for is remote or in-person, a phone interview will likely be the first step toward your next job opportunity. These expert tips will help you advance to the next round without breaking a sweat.

1. Prep in advance

You have specific obstacles to overcome in a phone interview, as mentioned recently in Forbes,

Not having the benefit of presenting yourself in-person, speaking with someone who may not fully understand the role, and knowing it’s your very first impression to the company all add to the challenges of the phone screen.

So preparation is key! The first step is researching the company and the person conducting your interview (if this information is available to you). If you’re speaking to someone on the HR team, don’t expect detailed questions about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role.  

A LinkedIn search will give you a quick snapshot of the company and interviewer, but be sure to scour their website too. Familiarize yourself with the products, services, and solutions they offer, and do a quick scan of their blog or resources to understand their company values and messaging.

Glassdoor can provide valuable employee insights into the company culture and what people do or don’t like about the hiring organization.  

Some common questions to prepare for include:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your biggest strengths/witnesses?
  • What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 (or 10) years?
  • Why are you interested in working for us?
  • What are your salary expectations?
  • Do you have any questions for me?

You should have some questions written down to ask the interviewer; having no questions can indicate a lack of interest on your behalf.

With remote and hybrid work becoming the new normal for many organizations, be ready to answer questions about your flexibility and requirements. You may also have a pandemic-related gap on your resume, so be ready to elaborate on that

2. Set yourself up for success

Find a quiet place, free from distractions to answer the call, and make sure you have your resume and some water on hand. A pen and paper would be handy for taking notes, which can be particularly helpful if you’re interviewing for several jobs simultaneously or for sending thank you or follow-up emails. While some may prefer typing, the noise can be distracting while you’re on the phone. 

Dress professionally – despite being a phone interview, your attire can help put you in the right mind frame. This goes for smiling, too, as a smile can be detected in your voice over the phone and make you sound happier and more enthusiastic. Nobody wants to sound like a robot! 

On that note, speaking slowly and clearly is crucial. Take your time to think over and answer each question as well as you can – rushing it can cause more damage than good. 

Always try to tie your skills and qualifications to the job description as closely as possible, as it shows you paid close attention to what the organization is looking for in the position. 

3. Close strong!

However you may have felt the interview went, always thank your interviewer for their time. Then, convey your enthusiasm to move on to the next round, and reiterate your interest in the organization and position. 

Send a thank-you note stating these points again, as well as touching on some things that were discussed, whether a personal connection or highlights of the job and conversation. 

After an appropriate amount of time (some interviewers may mention when to expect a response), you can send a follow-up email to check in and remind them of your interview. It doesn’t hurt to stay top of mind!