Phone interviews are more important now than ever. As companies continue to implement the best safety and health measurements during COVID, job interviews over the phone will remain a crucial part in the hiring process in 2021. 

A phone interview poses a unique set of challenges for any job seeker. Here are 4 tips for acing this important first connection with a potential employer.

Details Matter
It’s critical to ensure the phone you will be using is ready to go. If you’re using a cell phone, make sure it is fully charged, turned on, able to receive phone calls and you can hear it ring. You’ll also want to be sure you can take the call in a spot where you’ll have good service for the entire interview.

It’s also helpful to know the number your interviewer will be calling from, the time of your interview, and the names of who you’ll be speaking with along with their role at the company. 

Research
Just like a regular interview, set aside some time to research the company beforehand. Doing some company research before an interview can help give you an edge over the competition and greatly improve your odds of landing the job.

Keep these notes, and others, handy during the call. Just don’t read anything word for word, this will sound rehearsed and you want to be personable! 

Your Environment
Make sure your background is quiet, you don’t want to be distracted on the call. Some tips for creating a quiet space include closing windows, turning off fans, and make sure there are no kids or pets in the room. 

Make sure you are comfortable, but also make sure that you can bring the same level of professionalism you would to an in-person interview. Remain focused and engaged during the call, and try to smile – this will help bring an upbeat and positive tone to your voice.

Practice
There is no such thing as over preparing for an interview. There are two components of an interview that can always be practiced ahead of time. The first is thinking about how you are going to respond to common questions employers ask in an interview. The second is preparing a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Not being able to answer common interview questions, and not having questions ready to ask makes a candidate look unprepared and uninterested – definitely not the impression you want to give. 

In the end, you should prepare for a phone interview as seriously as you would for an in-person one. Although you won’t be able to read body language or easily show your enthusiasm with a phone call, it’s still possible to make a great impression with practice and planning. Looking for extra guidance during your job search? ETS Recruiters partner with you every step of the way! Live chat the team now for access to over 200 jobs and fast-tracked interviews.