How to know if you failed a phone interview (Top 10 Tips)

Time is a limited resource for everyone. That’s why some companies are now organizing a telephone interview to short-list their future company at the initial stage. In this process, companies get the benefit, but the candidate might face some difficulties. Phone interviews save companies resources and time, but we understand that it can be problematic for them sometimes if we see it from the candidate side.  So here’s how to know if you failed a phone interview.

We agree that without seeing the interviewer’s hand gesture, body language, expression, it’s pretty tricky for the candidate to depict their state of mind. So after the call, they get confused about the interviewer’s reaction based on their answers. But, phone interviews also have some advantages.

The utmost advantage is the candidate can attend the call in their comfort zone. They can also place some references in front of them that they think will be helpful during their interview. Also, we will give some tips and tricks that can help them during the procedure.

Stay with this blog to get detailed information about a phone interview.

What is a phone interview?

Phone interviews are the interviews that recruiters often conduct as the initial interview round. It helps the recruiter save time and eliminate those candidates who are not suited for that particular job role. Companies usually prefer this kind of interview as it can be conducted anywhere. The interviewer does not have to use company resources to take such interviews. So, it’s a cost-effective interview for the companies. 

How phone interview works?

Companies will schedule a phone interview in advance via email. In some cases, you may also get a sudden call in which you will be asked if you are available to discuss the job. So, after applying for a job, you should always prepare for an interview.

In an interview, a company checks your interest in the job role and whether you will be a perfect fit for them or not. So it would be best if you handled it wisely. You can go through some tips mentioned below to prepare for a good interview.

1. Always research the company. It will help you know some basic details about the company and the job role.
2. Note your strengths and weaknesses and answer some commonly asked questions. Also, prepare a list of questions about the job role you wish to ask to the interviewer.
3. Study well about the requirements for that job role. Stack your skills accordingly to convince the interviewer that you are the best fit for the job. 
4. You will give the interview in the comfort of your home, so you should keep your resume in front of you. It will help you refer your qualification and skill, which will make you more confident. 

How to know if you failed a phone interview?

Phone interviews are the initial stage of the hiring process. Companies hardly spend 20 minutes per interview, but sort-list 50% of the job applicants in this round. Sometimes it becomes difficult for an applicant to understand whether he will get the next call or be rejected. In that case, you can compare the following signs to help you depict if you have failed an interview or have passed it.

1. The interviewer had cut the call unexpectedly.
2. If you have remained silent in any common question, then there is a high chance they will reject you.
3. The vibe of your conversion with the interviewer has worsened over time.
4. They didn’t call you back.

How to know if a phone interview went well?

Multiple signs will tell you that your interview went well. We have mentioned down some of them for your convenience.

• Suppose it was a long interview where both of you were engaged throughout the interview. And in the end, you developed a good bond with the interviewer. In that case, it might happen that you have been chosen.
• The interviewer said you are a good fit for the job role and asked about your convenience.
• They have asked about your salary expectations.
• They have asked multiple questions about your skills.
• In the end, if you end the interview with a positive feeling, then there is a high chance that they have selected you as their future employee.

Top 10 phone interview tips

Follow the following tips to perform well in a phone interview.

1. You should treat your phone interview as seriously you would do in a face-to-face interview.
2. Make sure you carry out a little bit of research about the company. You should have a basic knowledge about the services they offer, the name of some of their valuable clients. 
3. Undertake your phone interview in a quiet location away from any distractions. Do not allow any background noise to spoil your interview. Also, make sure you charge your device entirely and turn off notifications to attend the interview.
4. Let the interviewer take the lead. Please pay attention to the interviewer, never cut across them, and not dominate the conversation. Let them take control and only speak when you are asked.
5. You must demonstrate a suitable manner. You have to be polite and professional throughout the call.
6. Slow down and take your time responding to your interviewer’s question. Make sure you provide as much evidence possible explaining how you already meet the requirements for the particular job role.
7. Prepare answers to some common phone interview questions beforehand. 99% of the interviewers will ask you the most common questions. So it will be pretty helpful for you if you have your answers ready in your mind.
8. You should create a cheat sheet before undertaking a phone interview. Mark some bullet points from the answers you have prepared. It will make you more confident.
9. You should have two questions already prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. If you are confused about what questions you should ask, refer to the two questions we have prepared for you.
   • What would advise me to concentrate on the role within the first 30 days of starting?
   • What advice would you give to a successful candidate who wants to do a brilliant job in part?
10. Make sure you send the interviewer a follow-up email within an hour after the phone interview has finished. 

Below are some commonly asked phone interview questions and their sample answers, which will help you in your journey.

Phone interview questions and answers. 

Refer to the following questions: 

1. Can you tell me about a time when you have worked as part of a team to achieve a goal?
2. Do you need other people around to stimulate you, or are you self-motivated?
3. I see there have been some gaps in your employment. Can you explain these?

Also, take a look at our another blog When To Update LinkedIn With New Job (Add promotions to LinkedIn)

Phone interview cheat sheet.

We have mentioned some important points below which you have to consider in a phone interview.

1. Try to use a telephone for the interview if possible. If a phone is not available and you have to use a cell phone, you should ensure that you are sitting in an area with no network problem. Also, ensure that your phone is fully charged.
2. You should not go outside in the street to attend a phone interview as there will be a lot of unwanted noise that can disturb your interview. You can prefer a private, quiet room to participate in the phone call.
3. Make sure to attend the call at once. As the interview will be pre-scheduled, you are expected to answer the call on time.
4. Show your gratitude. After receiving the call, thank the recruiter for calling you and spending their precious time on your interview. Also, you can ask for their contact information. But make sure to write the correct spelling of their name, get their email address and title.
5. Try to answer the questions they ask briefly. It would be best not to make them bored by giving long answers. Your answer should be brief and to the point.
6. Remember that an interviewer will not see your body language to understand you better in a phone interview, so you have to use your energy and tone of voice to convince him.
7. You can also ask for a face-to-face interview at the end.
8. Send a brief thank-you note via email to the person you spoke to.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Signs you will get the job after interview?

The interviewer has cut the call with a positive note, and you have answered his questions correctly and confidently.

After the phone interview, what happens next?

If selected, the company will guide you to the next steps. Sometimes they can also call you for a face-to-face interview.

How long does it take to hear back after a phone interview?

You can expect to hear back from the company within 3 to 6 days of the discussion.

How long do phone interviews last?

Generally, a phone interview is held for nearly 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Phone interviews are the initial round of interviews taken while short-listing candidates. So it is essential to perform well in the interview to grab the job. We think we could guide you through the points that you should keep in mind while preparing for the interview. Follow those points and get placed at your dream company. We hope it helps. 

If this blog has benefitted you with some valuable information, please take some time and leave your comment below describing your experience with us. 

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