If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your phone interview skills, I’m here to provide you with my best interview tips from the other side (aka, the hiring side) of the phone call. Whether you’re in the market currently or see new opportunities on the horizon, these four points can make the difference between nailing the interview or not.

Being on time and early to the interview.

This is the one of the most obvious interview tips but the most influential for me when choosing who to hire for my studio. Of course we plan to be on time but then forget to use the restroom before the call, our computer conveniently dies one minute before the call, and the conference call number is impossible to navigate. We’ve all been there, but try your best to prepare to be early for your interview to make a great first impression.

  • If it’s a video call, be sure to research and download the software prior to the call so you can avoid a delay.
  • Ensure your device is fully charged prior to the call to avoid any mishaps by sending them to leave a voice message.

During my search for a virtual assistant, the candidates that showed up even a minute or two late automatically concerned me on if they were reliable as a contractor of mine. Lateness implies you would possibly be late to future deadlines or meetings. Don’t let a virtual call distract you from the importance of being on time.

Hatch Tip: Apply this tip to any in-person meetings by giving yourself to find public parking if it’s downtown and using an app like Waze to plan your drive ahead of time to remind you when to leave.

Coming with questions of your own to ask. 

If you’re looking to leave a good first impression on your phone interview, come with questions to ask at the interview. I encourage you to implement this tip not ‘just because Hatch Creatives said so’, but rather take the time to put thought into the interview tactic. Is there something you can learn more about the person interviewing’s story? How can you learn more about the company culture or role? Pst… people love to talk about themselves, and the includes their company. As an entrepreneur, I always appreciate when a candidate takes the time to learn more about my brand. Not only will you leave with more information on if this job would be a good fit for you when you get the job, but it also creates a personal connection and conversation. When the interviews will end with a “so do you have any questions for us”, take the stage with confidence with prepared answers. 

Hatch Tip: A phone interview isn’t just for you to be interrogated. Bring your own ideas, questions, and concerns to the call when appropriate and relevant to the interview. 

Own your skills and career wins. 

As women, we should feel empowered to own the amazing things we have to offer a company. We’re busting past the societal norms saying women shouldn’t humbly brag on their accomplishments. In a professional manner, use this phone interview as an opportunity to pitch your skills, knowledge, and expertise that will benefit the company for the open role. 

When I was interviewing candidates, I wanted them to own their strong assets and brag a bit on how they could make my company better. All too often I heard the wishy-washy wins when I wanted to hear all about the kaboom-worthy wins. When asked about your skills or previous experiences, come to the table with confidence. If you’re looking to land a new client, use this tactic by brainstorming strategies on ideas for if you were to work together.

Hatch Tip: Practice talking confidently about your most memorable projects in the mirror or with a loved one. You’ll be primed and ready to toot your horn on the call when asked about your skills. 

Research for background knowledge of the company. 

Just like you’ll want to come in prepared with questions for your interviewer, I suggest doing your research on the company. Start on their website, social media pages, and LinkedIn profiles to get informed on their brand. If you’re looking to land a new client, research any huge milestones recently or recent launches. If you’re looking to land a new job, research their current clients and past projects. This will not only inform the questions you’ve prepared, but it’ll give you a good idea of what type of questions they’ll ask and how to formulate the best answers.

The biggest perk of phone interviews? You can have notes in front of you during the call to give you the assurance that you’ll be prepped for anything that comes you way. Even if you don’t need it (we’re sure you won’t), a slip of paper can provide that extra boost when presenting yourself on the phone interview. 

Hatch Tip: While you’re researching, search the average salary or retainer payment for this type of work. Don’t be caught off guard when the conversation of money comes up. Know your worth and the benefits that are nonnegotiables so you can avoid lowballing your compensation. 

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to slay any phone interviews in the new year. We’re here to support you and root you on during the interview process! Tag us in your career wins using @hatch_creatives on the ‘Gram.