Categories

  • Get the Job
  • Get Ahead
  • Career Paths
  • Students
  • Job Descriptions
  • Salary Insights
Career Trend
Career Trend
  • Get the Job
    • Resumes and CVs
    • Applications
    • Cover Letters
    • Professional References
    • Interviews
    • Networking
    • Professional Licenses and Exams
  • Get Ahead
    • Get a Promotion
    • Negotiation
    • Professional Ethics
    • Professionalism
    • Dealing with Coworkers
    • Dealing with Bosses
    • Communication Skills
    • Managing the Office
    • Disabilities
    • Harassment and Discrimination
    • Unemployment
  • Career Paths
    • Compare Careers
    • Switching Careers
    • Training and Certifications
    • Start a Company
  • Students
    • Internships and Apprenticeships
    • Entry Level Jobs
    • College Degrees
  • Home »
  • Get the Job »
  • Interviews

How to Ace an Online Phone Interview

By Aanya Rose; Updated July 05, 2017
Businesswoman on cell phone with applicants
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

If you manage to ace an initial phone interview, you have overcome a huge milestone in your job search. Success in a phone interview gets you a step closer to a face-to-face interview. Prepare for a phone interview much as you would an in-person interview. Be ready for questions, act professionally and say, "Thank you."

Print Your Resume

Have a printed copy of your resume available during the phone interview. Refer to it when the hiring manager asks you questions about your work history, dates of employment, education and skill set. This way you don't have to rely on your memory when recalling your professional certifications or when you were last licensed.

Get Online

Get online before you begin a phone interview and use the web as a resource during the conversation. Have the company website open, perhaps to the mission statement page, so you can refer to it when the employer asks why you want to work for the company. Refer back to the job posting or job description as you list the skills you can bring to the company. Just be sure that the interviewer does not hear you typing during the conversation, which may give the impression that you're not paying attention.

Use a Landline

Use a landline, rather than a cell phone, for a phone interview. A cell phone can be unpredictable and lead to dropped calls or less-than-ideal connections. Use a cell phone only if you have to schedule your interview for when you are away from your home or a desk. Also, take steps to avoid interruptions by children, pets or visitors, and turn off the call waiting function on your phone.

Allow Time

Allow enough time for your interview. Do not schedule an appointment or another phone interview right after. Spend time preparing for interview questions so you do not waste time stumbling over your words as the questions are asked. Review your answers to common questions about your experience, skills, and the reasons you applied for the job. Don't rush through your answers, but also keep your responses concise and to the point.

References

  • WSJ: The New Trouble on the Line
  • Boston.com: Ace the Phone Interview
  • U.S. News: 17 Tips to Ace Your Next Phone Interview

Find a Job

Job Search by ZipRecruiter

About the Author

Aanya Rose has been writing since 1998. Her work has appeared in "ADDitude," "Curl," "Diabetes Alternatives," "Fitness," the "Healing Path" and more. She has served as a channel manager for various websites and worked in consultation and training. Rose holds a B.S. and Ph.D.

More Articles

  • How to Tell If a Phone Interview Went Well
  • How to Create a Resume Cover Page
  • How to Request a Payment for Unemployment
  • How to Request an Update After an Interview
  • How to Have Good Call Control As A Customer Service
  • HR Portfolio Checklist

Continue Reading in Get the Job

Resumes and CVs
Applications
Cover Letters
Professional References
Interviews
Networking
Professional Licenses and Exams
Cite this Article A tool to create a citation to reference this article Cite this Article
Choose Citation Style
Rose, Aanya. "How to Ace an Online Phone Interview." Career Trend, http://careertrend.com/ace-online-phone-interview-11348.html. 05 July 2017.
Rose, Aanya. (2017, July 05). How to Ace an Online Phone Interview. Career Trend. Retrieved from http://careertrend.com/ace-online-phone-interview-11348.html
Rose, Aanya. "How to Ace an Online Phone Interview" last modified July 05, 2017. http://careertrend.com/ace-online-phone-interview-11348.html
Note: Depending on which text editor you're pasting into, you might have to add the italics to the site name.

Related Content

What Do I Do If I Forgot the Time of My Job Interview?
How Do I Answer Questions in an Interview?

Related Occupations

Job Growth: +13.7% 2014-2016
Human Resources Specialists $59,180
Job Growth: +11.2% 2014-2016
Manicurists and Pedicurists $22,150

Popular Articles

How to Reply to an Interview Notification
10 Job Search Tips
Get the Job
Resumes and CVs
Applications
Cover Letters
Professional References
Interviews
Networking
Professional Licenses and Exams
Get Ahead
Get a Promotion
Negotiation
Professional Ethics
Professionalism
Dealing with Coworkers
Dealing with Bosses
Communication Skills
Managing the Office
Disabilities
Harassment and Discrimination
Unemployment
Career Paths
Compare Careers
Switching Careers
Training and Certifications
Start a Company
Students
Internships and Apprenticeships
Entry Level Jobs
College Degrees
Career Trend
  • About Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Find a Job
Copyright 2018 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved.
AdChoices