How to have a successful phone or Skype interview

Image  by Anna Shvets from Pexels.  CC0

What are phone interviews?

Phone interviews are usually done as an initial screening. It can be as short as 10 minutes, or run up to an hour. Its goal is to verify information on your resume and find out if you have good interpersonal skills. However, some phone interviews can be more comprehensive.

If the recruiter did not indicate the interview duration, prepare answers to more in-depth questions to be on the safe side. A phone interview can determine whether you will go on to the next level of the hiring process, so take it seriously.

To ensure a good phone interview:

1. Stay in a quiet area to receive the call. Choose a room where you can avoid interruptions and noise. If you are receiving the call at home, it might be a good idea to notify your housemates in advance.
2. Manage background noise. Landlines tend to have clearer reception but mobile phones are good too. Don’t put it on speaker as it lessens sound quality because of background noise. Remember to turn off your phone’s call-waiting feature and other notifications to avoid distractions.
3. Use a microphone-enabled headphone if you can. Using a headset cancels out background noise and frees your hands for note-taking.
4. Practice with a friend. Practice before the interview to check your phone reception, the tone of your voice, or to test if your headphone and mic are working properly.
5. Answer the phone professionally.Start with a greeting and your name so that the interviewer knows that they’re calling the right person. You can say “Hello, this is Ana Lopez.” When the interviewer answers, you can reply with “Good morning Mr. Smith, I was expecting your call. How are you today?”
6. Write down the interviewer’s phone number. Check the caller ID and note it down (or save it on the device). It will come in handy in case you get disconnected and need to call the interviewer back.
7. Have a copy of the job ad, your resume, and cover letter in front of you. Get a pen and a notepad too. Note down or prepare a list of questions for the company. Chances are, the interviewer will ask if you have questions towards the end of the interview.
8. Listen intently and speak clearly. Avoid talking too fast to give the interviewer time to take down notes.
9. Thank the interviewer. Make sure to thank the interviewer for their time (and for the opportunity) before putting down the phone. Note down the next step in the hiring process.

Tips for a Skype/Zoom interview

You should treat it as if it is a face-to-face interview. Dress professionally and project a positive body language. Prepare your environment and equipment to ensure that you can be seen and heard clearly.

To ensure a good interview:

1. Download and install the videoconferencing app needed ahead of time. This will give you time to test the audio and video, and get comfortable with the app.
2. Choose a professional-sounding user name. Use your name, or your name and profession (ex: analopez_engineer) so that it will be easy for your potential employer to find.
3. Set-up where there are no distracting noises (e.g. sound of a toilet flushing, cars passing by or sirens, basement radiator, kids crying, dogs barking etc.) Don’t do it at a coffee shop. If you don’t have internet connection at home, ask your local library if they have cubicles or study rooms that you can use (most libraries have WiFi service).
4. Use a headset to eliminate background noise. Whether at a library or at home, using a headset will help improve the sound for you and the interviewer.
5. Clean-up your surroundings. Look behind you – this is what the interviewer will see. To put the focus on yourself, it will be best to have a plain, uncluttered background.
6. Set-up your computer and use proper lighting. Use a sturdy table to prevent wobbling. Set your table near an electrical outlet, in case your batteries get drained. If you’re using a laptop, use a stand or place it on top of a stack of books to get the camera at eye level.
    
   Good lighting should make you clearly visible (enhancing your features is a bonus). Experts suggest multiple lighting to look good on a webcam. If this is too complicated, test out available lighting in your room and experiment. It usually helps to set up in front of a window or a lamp. View a preview of yourself (on Skype: click on the three dots beside your name > settings > audio & video > webcam settings) so you can see what type of lighting works best.

 

 

7. Rehearse before the interview day. Ask a friend to help you out. Check video and sound quality. Be prepared for technical glitches you may experience. It’s a good idea to have a back-up device ready in case your main device malfunctions.
    
   During your rehearsal, wear the clothes you intend to wear on the actual day. Avoid colors (or color combinations) that are too loud. Don’t wear bold prints and patterns as some do not work well on the screen. For example, houndstooth is said to come across as strobe lights on camera and cause headaches. Also, avoid wearing clothes that are the same colour as your background. You might look like a floating head.
8. Turn off additional programs or apps, especially those that have alerts. Turn off some events that make a sound that you don’t need. Inform people at home that you’ll be in an interview to keep noise at a minimum.
9. Look the part. Dress professionally. Wear a complete outfit from head to toe. You might need to stand up or move.
10. Use proper body language. To make good eye contact, look at the webcam, not the monitor. Avoid looking at yourself on the screen often. Nodding, making sounds, and using facial expressions are important. They show that you are actively listening. Avoid staying stationary for a long time because your interviewer might think that the video/screen is frozen.
11. Sit with a good posture. Lean slightly forward to show interest.
12. Anticipate technical glitches. Be prepared for technical problems. Inform the interviewer if you need to reconnect or adjust settings. Apologize, but stay calm. This can show the interviewer how well you handle situations under stress. Again, having a back-up device is recommended.
13. Have a copy of the job ad, your resume, and cover letter on hand. Highlight important points you wish to emphasize during the conversation. Always have a pen and a notepad handy for taking notes.
14. Thank the interviewer after the session and express your enthusiasm for the job.

For both phone and Skype interviews:

1. Be on time on the day of the interview. Make sure that your phone line is clear at least 15 minutes before the appointed time. For Skype, be online 10-15 minutes early. This will give you time to test the app.
2. Don’t forget to greet your interviewer warmly at the start of the interview.
3. Smile! Even if the interviewer doesn’t see you, your voice will sound more energetic and pleasant on the phone. At the end of the call, convey your gratitude for the opportunity, as well as the effort and time put in by the interviewer. Don’t forget to reiterate your enthusiasm for the job and becoming part of the company.

  
Sources: Ace your Skype job interview: 14 smart tips, cbc news.com; Job interviews by telephone and Skype, Cawley Career Education Center, Georgetown University.