Phone interviews are typically anywhere from 15 - 60 minutes and can often be the "first round" of an interview process. They may be with human resources/talent acquisition team members, your individual hiring manager, or both. In advance of your phone interview, make sure you have done the following:
- Have a quiet location prepared.
- Have a pen and paper ready for note taking; unless you're planning to mute your call often the person on the other end of the line will be able to hear typing on a computer or tablet.
- Charge your phone or have a backup battery easily accessible to you!
If you’re on the phone, it’s okay to refer to notes, but try not to read off prepared answers. Take note of responses to questions you might be asked and have them available. Expect to be asked:
- Tell me about yourself. Remember that this question is getting at connection; tell me about yourself as it pertains to your background, skills, and qualifications for the role...
- Why are you interested in the position?
- General behavioral questions – about teamwork, key experiences, your strengths and skills related to the position.
You should still have questions for the employer, whether it is a phone screen or a full interview. Take brief notes on topics that give you an opportunity to reiterate your skills, so that you can highlight in your Thank You email (send within 24 hours!)
- Send a Thank You to everyone on the call. You can ask the HR representative for the email addresses and contact information of each person on the call if they do not provide that proactively.