The Proper Etiquette for a Successful Phone Interview
by Lyanne
Aug 12, 2020
at 4:39 PM
Due to the recent global pandemic, phone interviews have become more popular than they used to be. With the way things are going, we don't see it changing any time soon, especially for candidates who live in different locations.
Usually, job seekers don't take telephone interviews as seriously as they would a face-to-face meeting with a potential employer. This is probably because it's more comfortable being in your own home than sitting across from the hiring manager.
But what you should already know that the phone interview is the most critical hurdle in the hiring process nowadays. Here are the guidelines for appropriate phone interview etiquette.
1. Find a quiet room for your phone interview
You should probably not have a phone interview in a noisy place. It's common sense, but many people still do this. The noise not only distracts you and the interviewer, but it will also muddle the conversation. Nobody likes to repeat themselves too many times.
If you can't avoid it, it's better to reschedule until a later time rather than trying to talk over interruptions. Don't worry, the interviewer will understand.
2. Address the interviewer by name and title
Some of us find it hard to remember people's names, and that is understandable. So, if you forget the interviewer's name, don't be afraid to ask for their name.
Remember to address the interviewer by their preferred pronoun (such as Ms. or Mr.) followed by their name. Until they specifically say something like, "Please call me Joanna," you should not address them by their name only.
3. Unless you really have to, refrain from using the speakerphone
The problem with speakerphones is that they detract from the sound quality of the conversation. It also gives the impression as if you have something better to do than answering interview questions.
But if you have hearing issues, don't be afraid to use it. Let the interviewer know that you have trouble listening without the speakerphone, they will understand you. Just make sure that they can also hear you clearly.
4. Do not interrupt
Interrupting someone during a normal conversation is already a no-no, interrupting someone during the phone interview is just as bad if not worse. We get it, you are excited about the job opportunity, but wait until it's your turn to speak.
The interviewer will lay out the details of the job, so just wait until they are finished, and then you can ask them questions. Even if you forget a part of the job description, you can just ask them to repeat. They will understand, especially if they have been talking for 3 minutes non-stop. Remember, it's okay to ask questions, just don't interrupt people.
Remember to take important notes from the interview!
5. Respect the interviewer's time
The best way to show that you respect the interviewer's time is to be very prepared for the phone interview. Here's a list of what you should do before undergoing the phone interview:
Research the company,
Have your questions prepared beforehand,
Know how you're going to answer the questions most companies usually ask,
Have your resume and notes in front of you so you can see them easily,
Have a pen and paper to take notes on during the call.
You don't want to be shuffling papers, looking for something while you're on the call. The pen and paper are essential, just in case, they want you to write something down to look up later.
6. Ask about the next step
Let them know that you are interested in the job by asking about what the next step will be. Don't wait for them to bring it up. There are a few reasons why some employers don't tell job candidates about the next step:
They are waiting for you to do it to see if you really want the job
They have a few doubts about you that you need to clear up
Do not end the phone interview without knowing what happens next. Ask them a question, such as: "I wish to learn more about the next step after the phone interview."
7. Need a few seconds to think? Don't worry
If the interviewer asks you a tough question, one that requires a certain amount of time to think, let them know. Why? It's better to let the interviewer know that you need some time to collect your thoughts than to leave too much dead air.
You don't want to get ahead of yourself, so take some time, collect your thoughts and prepare to answer the question. If you need the interviewer to repeat the question, ask.
Don't forget to send the interviewer a thank-you note.
8. Send a thank-you note
Follow up after your phone interview by sending the interviewer a thank-you email. Thank-you notes are always the polite thing to do, and they make you stand out from the other job candidates.
Once the phone interview is finished, you should review any notes you were able to take during the conversation. Write down what types of questions were asked, how you answered, and any follow-up questions you may have if you have a chance for the second interview.
