More first rounds now happen on the phone or on camera. The skills are the same as in person, plus a little tech preparation.
Direct answer
For phone and video interviews, choose a quiet place, test your tech in advance, have your CV, the job post and notes in front of you, speak clearly and slightly slower than normal, and show energy: smile, even on the phone. On video, look at the camera when you answer, light your face from the front and use a tidy background.
Phone interviews
- Take the call somewhere quiet with good signal.
- Have a glass of water, your CV and the job post.
- Stand or sit upright; it improves your voice.
- Smile when you speak. People can hear it.
- Don't interrupt; pauses are fine.
- Ask about next steps at the end.
Video interviews (Zoom, Teams, Meet)
- Test first: camera, microphone, internet and the app link.
- Light: face a window or lamp; avoid a bright light behind you.
- Background: plain and tidy, or a simple blur.
- Camera at eye level: stack books under a laptop if needed.
- Look at the camera when answering, not at yourself.
- Close other apps and silence notifications.
- Join a few minutes early.
What to wear
Dress as for an in-person interview, from head to toe. It helps your mindset.
If something goes wrong
- Internet drops: rejoin, then message the contact.
- Noise: apologise briefly and move on.
- You lose your train of thought: pause, sip water and ask to repeat the question.
Answering well
Use the same stories as in person. See common interview questions and how to prepare for an interview.
Where Teyro fits
Teyro's Acing Job Interviews course covers the phone screen and every round after it, with practice. It is free to start.
The bottom line
Test your tech, speak clearly, smile and treat the call like a real meeting. See also how to ace a job interview.
