"How to Prepare for a Phone Interview"

Phone interviews are screening rounds. Their goal: decide if you’re worth a proper interview.

Many candidates treat them casually. Don’t.

Before the Call

• Research the company thoroughly
• Review the job ad and your application
• Have your resume in front of you
• Prepare questions to ask
• Find a quiet space with good reception
• Charge your phone

Test Your Setup

Bad phone reception or background noise can tank an interview.

Test your reception. Close windows. Put pets in another room. Make sure nobody will interrupt.

If you’re using a landline, even better – more reliable.

Be Ready Early

Be in your quiet spot, notes ready, 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

If they’re late, wait 10-15 minutes before calling to check in.

Stand Up (Seriously)

Standing while you talk makes your voice more energetic. You’ll sound more confident and engaged.

Some people even pace gently. Find what works for you.

Have Notes Ready

Unlike in-person interviews, you can have notes in front of you. Use this advantage:

• Key points about your experience
• Questions you want to ask
• Specific achievements with numbers
• Company facts you researched

But don’t read from a script – it sounds obvious.

Listen Carefully

Without visual cues, you need to listen harder. Don’t interrupt. Wait for them to finish speaking.

Use verbal nods: “Right,” “I see,” “That makes sense.”

The Questions They’ll Ask

Phone screens usually cover:

• Walk me through your experience
• Why are you interested in this role?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What’s your availability?
• Why are you leaving your current role?

Have clear, concise answers ready.

Ask Good Questions

Show you’re interested:

• “What are the main priorities for this role in the first 3 months?”
• “What’s the team structure like?”
• “What’s the next step in the process?”

After the Call

Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours.

Note down anything important they mentioned – you’ll need it for the next round.