Is the idea of a phone interview enough to make your palms sweat? You’re not alone. The telephone interview is one of the most common early stages in the recruitment process, yet it can feel harder than a face-to-face interview. Why? You lose body language cues, you’re unsure how you’re coming across, and small things like background noise or poor signal can throw you off.
Phone interviews don’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can speak confidently, sound professional, and make a strong first impression that gets you to the next stage.
In this blog, we will break it down with practical, keyword-rich phone interview tips, common phone interview questions, and actionable strategies that’ll help you ace your initial interview like a pro.
Why Phone Interviews Matter More Than You Think
Before you ever reach an in-person interview or video interview, top employers often start with a phone screen. It’s quicker, cheaper, and gives recruiters a fast way to judge your communication skills, your interest in the role, and how well you’ve read the job description.
A telephone interview is your first real chance to demonstrate that you’re a strong fit for the role, even before you’ve met the hiring manager. That first voice-to-voice connection can make or break your job application.
In fact, 81.8% of recruiters conduct interviews over the phone, indicating its widespread use as an effective screening tool before face-to-face interviews.
Prepare for a Phone Interview Like a Pro
Before the interview takes place you want to make sure you do your research. You wouldn’t go to a job interview unprepared (hopefully…), and a phone interview is no different. Do you due diligence beforehand and check out their website, do a quick refresher of the job ad and person spec, and have your CV in front of you along with your notes.
Here are some handy tips to follow:
1. Know the Interview Details
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Confirm the interview time, who’s calling, and whether it’s a direct call or via a recruiter.
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Get the interviewer’s name and title as this helps you refer back confidently.
2. Research the Company and Role
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Read the full job description again.
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Understand what problem the company is trying to solve with this hire.
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Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer that show your interest in the role and awareness of their challenges.
3. Decide Where To do the Interview
Chances are the call is scheduled, so you’ll be able to plan where you’ll be when you take the call. Your local pub at lunchtime is probably not the best shout, and neither is hiding in the stationery cupboard at your current place of work.
- Pick somewhere calm, quiet, and comfortable.
- Set yourself up with your notes, a pen, paper, and a glass of water.
- Dress to impress! Okay, no one is going to see you, but it’s a frame of mind thing.
4. Practice Common Telephone Interview Questions
Get familiar with these frequently asked questions:
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“Tell me about yourself.”
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“Why are you interested in this role?”
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“Can you walk me through your work history?”
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“What are your salary expectations?” (Know the salary range before the call!)
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“Describe a time you worked in a team.”
Write example answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to sound polished without memorizing.
5. Choose the Right Environment
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Take the call somewhere quiet with zero background noise.
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Have your resume, notes, pen, and water nearby.
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Sit up straight as your verbal communication improves with posture.
During the Interview
First things first, there IS going to be silence. Make your peace with that now. These probably aren’t awkward pauses – this is your interviewer jotting down your answers or preparing to move to the next set of questions. You don’t need to fill these silences! Use them as a chance to gather yourself or take a sip of water.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to it.
Answering the phone
You’re expecting this call, and it’s a formal call at that. So, rather than a ‘hello?’, go for ‘Hello, John speaking’. It’s more professional, and lets them know they’re through to the right person without the “Hi is that John?” “Speaking” “Hi, It’s…” conversation.
Listen
Once the intros and pleasantries are out of the way, the likelihood is that the interviewer will run through the basic format of the interview with you, so you know what to expect. They may also go over a bit about the role and the company, and a bit about what they’re looking for. Make a note of anything pertinent that you may want to come back to later in the call.
Respond
As we mentioned, it can be harder to make a good impression over the phone. A few ways to help you bypass the downfalls of not being face-to-face are:
- Drink plenty of water
- Sit up straight (or stand)
- Smile
At the end of the call come back to any points you’ve noted, and if you’re excited about the role try and end on a positive note. Express your interest and inquire about the next steps and your enthusiasm to move through the process.
After The Interview
The hard work is done. Follow up with an email later in the day (not right away), just thanking the interviewer for their time and insight into the role and company, and again express your continued interest in the role.
After this, it’s a waiting game. Chances are they have more interviews or need time to have talks internally regarding the role and the interviewees. Don’t follow up straight away as the ball is in their court now, and your recruiter will also be chasing on your behalf, so let them do the legwork!
How Mexa Solutions Can Help With The Interview Process
We’re not just another recruitment agency. We partner with top employers across the tech industry to connect skilled professionals with roles that match their expertise, goals, and values. Whether you’re preparing for an initial interview, tackling common phone interview questions, or gearing up for the next round, our team of experienced recruiters provides tailored guidance at every step.
With Mexa Solutions, you get:
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Insider insights into the hiring manager’s expectations
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Practical interview tips and real-time coaching
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Support preparing example answers that are relevant to the job
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Clear advice on the application process and next steps
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Help crafting a powerful thank you note post-interview
We understand the pressure of making a strong first impression and the importance of clear verbal communication in remote interviews. That’s why our support goes beyond simply sending your CV. We help you feel more confident, sound more polished, and stand out as the ideal candidate. Reach out to us today so you can find your next role.
Make the Most of Your Phone Interview
The phone interview may be your only shot to get a foot in the door. But when you know how to prepare for a phone interview, avoid common mistakes, and deliver strong, clear answers, you’re already ahead of most candidates.
Remember that interviewing is a two-way street. You’re not just answering questions, you’re deciding if this is a team and company you’d be proud to join. Prepare smart, speak clearly, and show them why you’re the best fit for the role.
FAQs: What People Want to Know About Phone Interviews
How long does a phone interview usually take?
Most last between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the role and number of interview questions.
Can I use notes during the interview?
Yes! That’s one advantage. Keep bullet points, not scripts, and use them to keep your answers concise and on topic.
Should I dress up even though they can’t see me?
Absolutely. It puts you in the right mindset and affects how you speak.
