Nailing the Phone and Video Interview
Phone and video interviews are now the standard first step in most hiring processes. Treat them exactly as you would an in-person interview — because to the hiring manager, they are.
Before the Call
Confirm the details in advance. Know who you’re speaking with (and how to pronounce their name), what platform you’re using if it’s video, and how long the interview is expected to run. Test your technology the day before — not five minutes before.
Have your resume, a notepad, and a short list of prepared questions in front of you. For video interviews, check your setup:
- Background: clean and professional, or use a neutral virtual background
- Lighting: face a window or lamp — don’t sit with a light source behind you
- Camera: at eye level, not looking up from a laptop on a desk
- Audio: use headphones or earbuds if your room has an echo
Choose a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted. Let people in your home know you’re in an important call. Silence notifications and close any apps you don’t need.
During the Call
For video: look at the camera, not the screen. It feels unnatural, but it reads as eye contact to the person on the other end. Sit up straight, smile, and avoid fidgeting.
For phone: standing up helps many people stay focused and project energy. Speak clearly and at a deliberate pace — without visual cues, tone and pacing carry more weight than you might expect.
Give yourself permission to pause before answering a difficult question. A brief “let me think about that for a moment” is far better than a rushed, unfocused answer. Avoid filler words — silence is better than “um.”
Finish the call by asking about next steps and confirming the best way to follow up.
After the Call
Send a thank-you email within a few hours. Keep it brief — thank them for their time, mention one thing that stood out about the role or the conversation, and restate your interest. Then call your recruiter and let them know how it went.
