By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
Hiring managers often use phone interviews to screen potential employees rather than inviting everyone for a longer in-person interview. It is then used to filter the list of potential candidates into a smaller group who meet specific criteria and appear to be suitable for the job.In my experience, employers I’ve worked with frequently use phone interviews for two main reasons.
First, they may be the type of hiring manager who, for whatever reason, likes to start with a large group of potential candidates and then quickly scan the list to identify smaller groups that they want to interview in more detail in person. Second, hiring managers often use phone interviews as a way to interview out-of-town candidates who are not in the same city (or state/province/country) as the hiring company.
When you schedule a phone interview, you need to keep the following in mind:
The person interviewing you can’t see you (and you obviously can’t see them), so remember that they’re not just judging what you say, but how you say it.
Make sure you are in a quiet place during the phone interview.
Make sure you answer the phone during the interview. Don’t miss the call!
Don’t be distracted during the interview. Make sure you are alone and not distracted by anyone or anything.
If you are using a mobile phone, make sure you have a good signal and sufficient battery.
As with in-person interviews, try to find out from the person interviewing you what will happen next in the interview process before the call ends. When will you hear back from them? Are there any face-to-face interviews next?
Phone interviews are not casual chats; they are structured gatekeeping tools that hiring managers use to narrow down a large pool of applicants to a smaller, more serious list of candidates who seem to fit the bill and deserve a more in-depth conversation. When you take a phone interview as seriously as you would an in-person meeting, you’ll immediately separate yourself from those who sound distracted, unprepared, or unprofessional.
Why Employers Use Phone Interviews
Hiring managers rely on phone interviews to quickly screen large numbers of applicants without having to invest time in back-to-back face-to-face meetings. They also use them to evaluate candidates who live in other cities, states, or countries before spending money or time to bring them to the site. The goal of this stage is simple: narrow the list to a group that clearly fits the role and seems worthy of a deeper conversation.
Mindset: Sound is your first impression
Because the interviewer can’t see you, every impression depends on your voice, your cadence, and the clarity of your communication. You will be judged on what you say and how you say it—tone, confidence, energy, and professionalism all come through over the phone line. Think of “telephone presence” the same way you think of “face-to-face presence.”
Be prepared before the call
Treat a phone interview like you would a real date: prepare a few minutes in advance, stay focused, and don’t rush. Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be disturbed—no TVs, no roommates walking by, no children or pets in the background. If you’re using a mobile phone, make sure the battery is fully charged and reception is stable; if in doubt, default to a landline or the most reliable device you own.
During the call: Professional phone etiquette
Answer the call on time, professionally, and use your name so the interviewer knows they’ve found the right person. Don’t multitask—no email, no browsing, no cooking, no driving—because distractions will always creep into your voice and slow down your reactions. Speak clearly and at a reasonable pace, and listen to each question from beginning to end without interrupting; if you miss something, ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify rather than guess.
Mobile-friendly habits can help you stand out
Avoid eating, smoking, or chewing gum during the interview, but keep a glass of water nearby to prevent your mouth from drying out. Consider standing or sitting upright rather than hunched over; posture directly affects the intensity and focus of your voice. Smiling when you speak can make your tone sound more positive and engaged, even if the interviewer can’t see you.
Before you hang up the phone: Know your next steps
As with face-to-face interviews, don’t let the call end without knowing what’s going to happen next. Ask when you can expect a response, whether there will be a video or face-to-face meeting, and if there is any other information they need from you to move forward. This enhances your professionalism and makes the entire process feel more predictable, rather than leaving you wondering what happened after you hung up the phone.
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2025
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About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman
Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter is a coach who has been a recruiter for a hundred years. His work spans career coaching, executive job coaching, job coaching, and interview coaching. He is the producer and former host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 job search podcast on iTunes with over 3,000 episodes.
Are you interested in 1:1 coaching, interview coaching, advice on networking more effectively, how to negotiate job opportunities, or leadership coaching? Schedule a discovery call on my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
My courses can be found on my website www.TheBigGameHunter.us/courses
Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/thebiggamehunter
Watch my videos on YouTube at JobSearchTV.com.
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