Phone interviews: why choose it and how you can prepare

by Josh Seaman | Nov 28, 2024 | Recruitment Agencies

You may have had a phone interview or two these past few years, or maybe you have recently been invited to one by your employer. Although it has been used and have been popular for a long time now, there does seem to be a rise in popularity for phone interviews as well as other long distance interviewing methods that utilize various technologies. There are several reasons why phone interviews have become more popular in recent years. One reason is that they are more convenient and less time-consuming than in-person interviews, both for the interviewer and the interviewee. Phone interviews can be conducted from anywhere, which allows companies to interview candidates who may not be able to travel to their office. They also allow for a more flexible schedule, as both parties can schedule the interview at a time that works for them.

Another reason for the growing popularity of phone interviews is that they are a cost-effective way for companies to screen candidates before inviting them for an in-person interview. This can save the company time and resources, as well as help them identify the most qualified candidates more quickly.

Additionally, remote work has become more common recently, this has increased the need for phone interview since companies can not necessarily have an in-person interview for remote or remote-likely candidates. Phone interviews are typically seen as an efficient and effective way to conduct initial interviews and are becoming increasingly popular as a result.

Of course, companies have many considerations in picking the methods they use in the recruitment process. Just like with any other methods, phone interview has its own drawbacks that may cause companies to decide that it’s not the best option for them to take. One major disadvantage is that phone interviews rely solely on verbal communication, which means that employers are unable to observe nonverbal cues such as body language or facial expressions. These cues can provide valuable information about a candidate’s interest, enthusiasm, and fit for the role. Additionally, phone interviews can be more formal and less conversational than in-person or video interviews, which can make it difficult to create a connection with the candidate and assess whether they are a good fit for the company culture.

Another disadvantage is that phone interviews can be disrupted by poor phone connections, background noise, or other technical difficulties, which can make it difficult for the interviewer to hear or understand the candidate. They are also not suitable to test technical skills of a candidate, especially if the role requires technical skill, hands-on experience or presentations. Furthermore, phone interviews provide only limited information about a candidate and may not allow for the same level of exploration of the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and motivation as an in-person or video interview.

Additionally, phone interviews may limit the pool of candidates to those who are able to take a call during work hours or eliminate candidates who are unable to call because of their location or phone plan. It’s important to note that phone interview can still be a useful tool for initial screening of candidates, but it is generally not seen as a replacement for in-person or video interviews.

What about you as a job seeker? Anything you need to pay attention to or consider when it comes to this particular method? If you have the option to choose, or seek out this particular method during your job search, please keep these advantages and disadvantages in mind:

Pros:

• Convenience: Phone interviews can be conducted from anywhere, at any time, which can be very convenient for job seekers who have busy schedules or live far away from the company’s location.
• Cost savings: Phone interviews can save job seekers the time and expense of traveling to an in-person interview.
• Flexibility: Phone interviews can be scheduled more quickly and at more convenient times than in-person interviews.
• Comfort: Phone interviews allow job seekers to conduct the interview in a familiar and comfortable setting, which can reduce stress and anxiety.

Cons:

• Limited ability to showcase qualifications: Phone interviews are usually limited to verbal communication, which can make it difficult for job seekers to showcase their qualifications, skills and experiences.
• Difficulty in creating a connection: Phone interviews can be formal, less conversational, which can make it difficult for the job seekers to connect with the interviewer and convey their enthusiasm for the role.
• Technical difficulties: Job seekers may face technical difficulties like poor phone connections or background noise, that might impede the interviewer from hearing clearly or understanding the job seeker’s answers.
• Limited impression: Phone interviews may not provide job seekers with the same opportunity to make a positive impression as an in-person interview.
• Limited ability to ask questions: Phone interviews may not allow job seekers to ask as many questions or get as much information about the company and the role as they would during an in-person interview.
• Limited Feedback: Job seekers may not receive as much feedback or have as much opportunity to ask follow-up questions during a phone interview as they would during an in-person interview.

Like we have went through before, any interview and recruitment methods would have their own advantages and drawbacks. It’s important for you to consider both sides before you make a decision that is in your best interest.

Now let’s say that after careful consideration, you have decided that this is indeed the best option for you either way. Or maybe you don’t have a choice because this is simply the method that your potential employer chose or is more comfortable with. Like with any other method, you would definitely have to prepare for it to make sure you’re in top condition before your interview. By preparing very well before your interview, it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications, create a good first impression, ask questions, minimize technical difficulties and gather information about the company and the role.

During the phone interview, it’s your first opportunity to make a positive impression on the employer and showcase your qualifications and skills. Preparing beforehand can help you to think through your responses to potential questions and to provide clear, concise answers that highlight your qualifications. Your demeanor, tone of voice, and ability to articulate your thoughts clearly can all contribute to a good first impression. So, preparing beforehand will help you to be more confident, to speak clearly, and to control your nerves during the interview. It is also important to be prepared with questions of your own, as this can show that you are interested in the company and the position.

Additionally, Phone interviews can be disrupted by poor phone connections, background noise, or other technical difficulties, by preparing beforehand, you can minimize these difficulties by checking your phone battery, signal strength, and making sure you have a quiet, private space to take the call. Furthermore, researching the company and the role beforehand can help you to understand the company’s values, mission, and products/services, and it will also help you to understand the role and the responsibilities, which could be beneficial during the interview. Preparing beforehand can help to show that you are interested, engaged, and well-informed about the company and the role and can help to set the stage for a successful interview.

In conclusion, Phone interviews can be a useful tool for employers and job seekers during the recruitment process, but they also have their drawbacks. Employers may face challenges in assessing nonverbal cues, creating a connection with the candidate, assessing technical skills and dealing with technical difficulties. On the other hand, job seekers may face difficulties in showcasing their qualifications, creating a good impression, asking questions, minimizing technical difficulties and researching the company and the role.

With its increasing popularity, it’s especially important for any job seekers to be prepared for phone interviews. Your next interview invitation from your potential employer may require you to do it! It’s important to adapt to technology and current trends, no matter how daunting it may be, to stay relevant in the job market.