Phone interviews are a popular way to screen candidates and are sometimes even used as the final step before hiring. You may be asked to complete a phone interview before an in-person meeting, or it might be the only option, especially if you live far from the company. Such interviews require special preparation so that you feel confident and at ease.

Preparing for the Interview

Step 1. Research the Company and Position.

Step 1

Before the interview, make sure to research the company and the role you're interested in. You probably already have a general idea of the employer, but the more information you gather, the better impression you'll make. This is important for job interviews as well as for educational institutions.
Expert Tip: "As with any interview, it’s important to know the company’s goals and values, as well as who you’ll be speaking with."
— Devin Jones, career coach and founder of The Soul Career, an online incubator for women.

  • Visit the company's official website. Learn about its mission, history, and organizational structure.
  • Take notes if you have questions. The more you study, the better prepared you will be.
  • If you know anyone who has previously worked at the company, ask for their insights and experiences.
  • There are many resources and forums where you can find reviews from former employees.

Step 2. Learn About the Interviewer.

Step 2

Try to gather information about the person who will be conducting the interview. While you may not learn their name in advance, this can give you an additional advantage.

  • When discussing details, don’t hesitate to ask: "May I know who I will be speaking with?"
  • If possible, find the interviewer’s profile on social media, but don’t send a friend request.
  • The company website may have employee profiles.

Step 3. Leverage the Advantages of a Phone Interview.

Step 3

One of the advantages of a phone interview is that you can have reference materials in front of you that your interviewer won't know about. Prepare a cheat sheet with key information from your research.

  • If the company's values are listed on their website, write them down. For example, if the mission states, "We provide excellent customer service," you can say: "I truly believe in providing excellent customer service."
  • Note other important facts that will help you sound knowledgeable and confident. For instance, if the company underwent a merger in 2013, mention it during the conversation: "It seems the board of directors did a great job managing challenges after the merger in 2013."

Step 4. Prepare Questions.

Step 4

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask. This will demonstrate your interest and engagement in the process.

  • Make sure your questions are fact-based. For example, if the company’s homepage mentions plans for international expansion, don’t ask: "Do you have plans to enter international markets?" This will give the impression that you are unprepared.
  • You can ask questions that showcase your knowledge. For example: "I read about the plans to expand internationally. How do you think this will impact opportunities for employees in Russia?"

Creating a Comfortable Environment for the Interview

Step 1. Conduct the Conversation from Home.

Step 1

It’s best to conduct the interview from home, as this allows you to control your environment and feel confident. If that’s not possible, choose another quiet location.

  • If you have a landline, use it to avoid connection issues or battery drain.
  • Ask a friend or family member if you can use their place for the call.

Step 2. Ensure You Have Enough Time.

Step 2

Don’t try to schedule the interview back-to-back with other commitments. If it’s going well, don’t let time be a barrier. Allocate enough time to focus on the questions.

  • If the proposed time doesn’t work for you, don’t hesitate to ask to reschedule for a more convenient time.
  • Remember that the interviewer may be late, so it’s better to set aside extra time.

Step 3. Ensure a Quiet Surrounding.

Step 3

Create the quietest environment possible. Sound plays a key role in a phone interview. Ask those at home to be quiet or go to another room.

  • Turn off radios, TVs, computers, and alarms.
  • Make sure your pets are in a calm place.
  • If you have small children, ensure someone is entertaining them during the call.
  • Some sounds, like noisy neighbors, can’t be controlled, but try to position yourself in your home so they are minimized. If they do interfere, apologize and explain the situation.

Step 4. Create a Comfortable Space.

Step 4

Your physical comfort is crucial for a successful interview. Ensure you are comfortable during the call. Don’t take the call lying on the couch, but you should be relaxed.

  • Check that the room temperature is comfortable. If you are too hot or cold, it can be distracting.
  • Choose a comfortable seating spot to maintain good posture and see your notes.
  • Adjust the lighting to be pleasant for your eyes. Turn on overhead lights if it helps you stay focused.

Preparing Yourself for the Interview

Step 1. Practice the Phone Conversation.

Step 1

Rehearse the phone conversation. Even if you are an experienced interviewee, try to speak in a more formal tone. Ensure you articulate your words clearly.

  • Ask a friend to conduct a mock call with you. Practice answering with: "Hello, this is___".
  • Ask your friend for feedback. Is your voice clear? Are your words understandable? Should you speak slower? How is the call quality?

Step 2. Prepare Reference Documents.

Step 2

Print out all necessary documents so you can refer to them. Even if you think you won’t need your resume, having it handy can be helpful.

  • Don’t forget to have your computer or tablet nearby for additional materials or emails.

Step 3. Dress Appropriately.

Step 3

Although the interviewer won’t see you, wearing the right clothes can help you feel confident and professional. Dress as if you were going to an in-person interview.

  • At the same time, choose comfortable clothing. You don’t need to wear a tight blazer or uncomfortable shoes.

Step 4. Take Care of Yourself on Interview Day.

Step 4

If your interview is scheduled for midday, try to make the morning productive. Don’t allow yourself to sleep in until the last minute.

  • Get up with enough time to spare.
  • Engage in physical activity or take a walk in fresh air.
  • Take a shower, style your hair, and do other rituals that help you feel ready for the interview.