Telephone Interview Tips

T ips to crack a Telephone Interview 

Got your first-ever telephone interview? Sounds easy, doesn’t it? You don’t have to travel, dress up in formal clothes or interact one-on-one with the hiring manager. The best part is you will answer all the questions on the phone in the comfort of your own home.
Getting through a telephone interview is certainly not a piece of cake. With so many applicants contending for a single opening, a majority of the recruiters are opting to conduct their initial round of interviews via the phone. However, since the interviewer can’t see you or talk face-to-face, getting through a telephone interview is much more difficult than a standard interview. Thus, before a telephone interview starts, you need to make sure you are all decked-up and well prepared. Below are some of the protocols that you should follow and a few precautions that you should take when giving a telephone interview.

Make a checklist

As soon as you get the confirmation call, date and time of your telephone interview, review the job opening thoroughly and check out how your qualifications meet the hiring criteria. If possible make a complete list. During the time of interview, have the list with you. Also, it is extremely important to carry a copy of your resume so you can see it clearly during the interview as you don’t want to sound confused and lost about your own qualifications.

Research the job profile and company

Spend some time researching the job and the company. Prepare points on how your role and contribution can benefit the company. The more you prepare the smoother the interview will go.

Get set for basic telephone interview questions

Don’t be overly confident! Rehearse the answers to basic telephone interview questions. Balance your tone, accent and style.

Avoid distractions and interruptions

You don’t want to get disturbed by family or outside noise so find a remote quiet space to give your interview. Switch off any televisions/mobiles etc kept in the space you are planning to use. Also, make sure the network connectivity is strong and uninterruptable.


Listen carefully

Don’t ignore what the interviewer is saying. Concentrate on what the interviewer is asking. Avoid fiddling with nearby objects as this may be heard at the other end of the phone. Avoid interrupting when the interviewer is talking and always wait for them to finish what they are saying.

Keep your pitch low and words clear

Speak slowly and clearly so that you can be heard by the interviewer. Never try to give long sentence answers. Keep your replies as crisp and short as possible. While answering, don’t sound nervous. It is very important to maintain your composure and answer your questions with great impact. Don’t forget, your voice is the only way to reach out and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer, so make the most of it.

Keep a glass of water handy

Whilst giving the interview, you don’t want your throat to get dry. Keep a glass of water handy and take a sip if there is a tickle in your throat.


Post interview

Always follow up after your telephone interview. Ask for the e-mail address of the interviewer. Later, on the same day send out a thank you e-mail, reiterating your interest in the position you interviewed for. Visit Build-a-Career for further advice or to apply for jobs.