Introduction:
As remote work becomes more common, telephone and video interviews have become essential parts of the hiring process. These formats come with their own challenges, such as the lack of physical presence and the need to rely heavily on verbal communication and body language through a screen. To ace these interviews, you need to be well-prepared and understand the best practices for creating a strong impression remotely. In this article, we will cover the most effective telephone and video interview techniques to help you succeed.
1. Preparation: Research and Practice are Key
Why This Step is Important:
Just like in-person interviews, preparation is crucial for telephone and video interviews. You must know the company, the job role, and the key skills required. For video interviews, you also need to get familiar with the technology you’ll be using.
What to Do:
- Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, culture, and recent achievements. Review the job description carefully to ensure you know what the employer is looking for.
- Practice Common Questions: Review frequently asked interview questions and practice your answers. Record yourself during a mock video interview to get comfortable with the format.
- Test the Technology: If you have a video interview, ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection work perfectly. Test the video call software (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet) in advance to avoid any technical glitches during the interview.
Pro Tip:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses during practice, making your answers concise and focused on specific examples.
2. Set Up a Quiet and Professional Environment
Why This Step is Important:
Your interview environment is a reflection of your professionalism. For both telephone and video interviews, choosing a quiet, distraction-free space ensures that you and the interviewer can communicate clearly.
What to Do:
- Telephone Interview: Find a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed. Turn off notifications and put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode to prevent interruptions.
- Video Interview: Choose a clean, neutral background that is free from clutter. Ensure the lighting is good (natural light works best) and your face is clearly visible. Avoid having distractions like pets, family members, or noisy neighbors in the background.
Pro Tip:
For video interviews, position your camera at eye level so that you’re looking directly at the interviewer. This creates a sense of engagement and makes your presence more professional.
3. Dress Professionally (Even for Phone Interviews)
Why This Step is Important:
Dressing professionally helps you get into the right mindset for the interview. Even if the interviewer can’t see you during a telephone interview, dressing well gives you a sense of formality and focus.
What to Do:
- Telephone Interview: Wear professional attire as if you were attending the interview in person. This psychological trick helps you maintain the right tone and energy.
- Video Interview: Dress professionally from head to toe. Even though you’re on camera, the interviewer may ask you to stand up or adjust your position, and you want to ensure that you look the part at all times.
Pro Tip:
For video interviews, avoid wearing overly bright or distracting patterns. Stick to solid colors and ensure your outfit contrasts well with the background.
4. Speak Clearly and Engage with Your Voice
Why This Step is Important:
In both telephone and video interviews, the interviewer is heavily reliant on your voice to understand your enthusiasm and engagement. Speaking clearly and with intention will make you more compelling.
What to Do:
- Telephone Interview: Since there’s no visual interaction, focus on making your voice clear, confident, and enthusiastic. Avoid monotone speech and use pauses effectively to give yourself time to think.
- Video Interview: While your body language is also visible, your voice still plays a significant role. Maintain an energetic yet professional tone, and make sure to modulate your voice to avoid sounding flat.
Pro Tip:
Smile while speaking—even over the phone—because it naturally improves your tone and makes you sound more approachable and positive.
5. Master Non-Verbal Communication for Video Interviews
Why This Step is Important:
In video interviews, your body language conveys just as much, if not more, than your words. Good non-verbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact and using appropriate gestures, helps build rapport with the interviewer.
What to Do:
- Maintain Eye Contact: Look directly at the camera when speaking to simulate eye contact with the interviewer. This shows confidence and engagement.
- Use Open Body Language: Keep your hands visible and use them naturally when gesturing. Avoid crossing your arms, which can come across as defensive or closed off.
- Sit Upright: Good posture reflects confidence and professionalism. Lean slightly forward to show interest in the conversation.
Pro Tip:
Avoid staring at your own image in the video feed. Focus on the camera lens to create the illusion of eye contact with the interviewer.
6. Be Concise and Stay on Point
Why This Step is Important:
Telephone and video interviews tend to have more time constraints than in-person interviews. Therefore, it’s important to give clear, concise answers that directly address the interviewer’s questions.
What to Do:
- Prepare Brief Responses: Practice giving answers that are concise but informative. Avoid rambling, and keep each response to the point.
- Use Bullet Points: If needed, write down short notes before the interview, but avoid reading them word for word. Instead, use them as prompts to stay focused.
- Highlight Key Achievements: When asked about your experience or skills, mention specific accomplishments and results that are relevant to the job.
Pro Tip:
If you feel your answer is becoming too lengthy, stop and ask, “Would you like more detail on that?” This shows that you respect the interviewer’s time and are willing to adjust.
7. Ask Thoughtful Questions at the End
Why This Step is Important:
Toward the end of the interview, you’ll typically be asked if you have any questions. This is an opportunity to show your interest in the role and company, as well as to clarify any doubts.
What to Do:
- Prepare Questions in Advance: Ask about company culture, growth opportunities, or specifics about the team you’ll be joining. Avoid asking questions that are already answered on the company website or job description.
- Tailor Questions to the Interview: Reflect on the conversation and ask follow-up questions based on what the interviewer has shared. For example, “You mentioned the team is expanding. Can you tell me more about how you see this role evolving?”
Pro Tip:
End the interview on a positive note by asking about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows initiative and keeps you informed about what to expect next.
8. Avoid Common Technical Issues
Why This Step is Important:
Technical issues during a video interview can disrupt the flow and leave a bad impression. Anticipating and avoiding these problems ensures a smooth interview.
What to Do:
- Test Equipment: Before the interview, check your microphone, camera, and internet connection. Use a wired connection if possible to ensure stable internet.
- Have a Backup Plan: If something goes wrong during the interview (e.g., a dropped call or frozen video), have a backup plan. For example, make sure you have the interviewer’s contact number or email to notify them of any issues.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: To avoid interruptions, close all unnecessary applications and browser tabs before starting the interview. Notifications or background apps can cause distractions or slow down your computer.
Pro Tip:
Ensure that your device is fully charged or plugged in during the interview to avoid losing connection midway through.
9. Stay Calm and Confident Under Pressure
Why This Step is Important:
Nerves can get the best of anyone, but staying calm during telephone or video interviews will help you think clearly and respond effectively. Confidence will also come across positively to the interviewer.
What to Do:
- Breathe and Pace Yourself: Take a deep breath before answering questions. It’s okay to pause briefly before responding to collect your thoughts.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Sometimes, things won’t go as planned. If technical issues or distractions arise, remain calm and explain the situation politely. Interviewers understand that these things happen.
- Be Yourself: Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Show your true personality while keeping it professional. This will help you connect with the interviewer and leave a lasting impression.
Pro Tip:
Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques before the interview to help manage anxiety. Simple breathing exercises can make a big difference.
Conclusion:
Telephone and video interviews are increasingly becoming standard practices in the hiring process. By following these techniques—from preparing your environment, practicing clear communication, to mastering non-verbal cues—you can set yourself up for success in any remote interview scenario. Remember, confidence and preparation are key to making a lasting impression.
