Telephone and video interviews have become a standard part of the recruitment process for many employers. They are often used as a first-stage screen to assess candidates before inviting them to a face-to-face interview. Don’t underestimate them – they deserve as much preparation as any other stage.
Telephone interviews
A telephone interview feels more informal than a face-to-face meeting, but the same professional standards apply. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance:
- Find a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. Background noise is distracting and can suggest a lack of preparation.
- Have your CV and the job description in front of you. Unlike a face-to-face interview, you can use notes – but don’t read directly from them, as it can make you sound stilted.
- Stand up if possible. It sounds counterintuitive, but standing tends to improve your posture and helps you project more confidence in your voice.
- Again, it sounds odd advice for a phone call, but smiling genuinely does come through in your tone.
- Take your time. It’s entirely acceptable to pause and collect your thoughts before answering. Silence feels longer on the phone than it actually is.
Video interviews
Video interviews introduce a visual element, which brings both additional opportunities and additional pitfalls:
- Test your technology beforehand. Check your camera, microphone and internet connection well in advance. A technical failure at the start of an interview creates a poor impression and eats into your time.
- Choose your background carefully. A neutral, tidy background is ideal. If that’s not possible, most video platforms offer a virtual background feature.
- Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. Smart professional attire from the waist up is the minimum – and remember that you might need to stand at some point.
- Look at the camera, not the screen. This is one of the hardest habits to form, but it’s the equivalent of making eye contact. Looking at the other person’s image rather than the camera can appear as though you’re not quite engaging.
- Ensure good lighting. Natural light from in front of you is ideal. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you, which puts your face in shadow.
Preparing your answers
The questions asked in telephone and video interviews are largely the same as in any other interview. Prepare your key messages in advance: who you are, what you offer, why you want this particular role, and a handful of strong examples of your achievements. See our interview hints and tips guide for more detailed advice.
| 💡 Quick tip
Do a test run. Ask a friend or family member to video call you and give honest feedback on how you come across on screen. It’s far better to iron out any issues before the real thing. |
| Heading to an interview? Call your Personnel Selection consultant beforehand for a full briefing on the company and role. |
