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7 Common Phone Interview Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Written by Admin | Feb 5, 2025 9:11:56 PM

Recruiters have the opportunity to hear interview feedback from both candidates and hiring managers. Often, candidates think a phone interview went well, but after speaking with the hiring manager, they realize the feedback is not as positive as expected. You could have a near-perfect skill fit for the job, but interview mistakes during an initial phone interview can derail your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. Here are some common interview mistakes you might be making, along with phone interview tips on how to avoid them and improve for next time.

Seven Common Interview Mistakes

1. Answering a question that you don’t fully understand.

If you don’t understand the phone interview question, ALWAYS ask for clarification! Too often, candidates feel uncomfortable asking for clarification, but the hiring manager would rather have you fully understand the question than guess or go off-topic. If you’re not sure, politely ask the interviewer to repeat the question or elaborate. You might say, “Just to clarify, are you asking about my experience with project management or my approach to team leadership?” This not only keeps you aligned with the interviewer’s expectations but shows that you are engaged and listening closely. When interviewing for a role you’re really interested in, it’s worth taking those extra seconds to understand the question, especially when common interview questions could have multiple interpretations depending on the role.

 

2. Not asking any questions.

Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position, have done your research on the company, and are serious about the opportunity. Going into a phone interview with a list of questions signals that you’re taking the interview process seriously and preparing for a phone interview in a way that leaves an impression. Ask about project timelines, day-to-day responsibilities, or team culture. These questions help you understand whether the position is a good fit and show the interviewer that you’re thinking long-term.

For instance, you could ask, “What are some immediate projects the person in this position would be working on?” or “How would you describe the company culture?” Be sure to ask questions that matter to you personally, such as whether there are opportunities for growth or if the company encourages ongoing education. This level of engagement reinforces your interest in the position and indicates you’ve thought critically about whether the role aligns with your goals.

 

3. Talking too much.

During a phone interview, it’s easy to feel like you need to fill every silence. But too much talking can quickly derail the conversation, make the interview feel unfocused, and may even take up the time you need for critical questions. Practicing mock interviews with a friend or family member can help you learn to keep your answers focused and concise.

For example, if the interviewer asks about your experience with a particular software, try to answer directly and then add, “I’d be happy to elaborate further if you’d like more details on that project.” This approach keeps the interviewer engaged and allows you to highlight your experience while respecting the time limitations of the interview.

 

4. Overselling yourself.

While it’s important to highlight your skills, be careful not to oversell your abilities in a way that seems exaggerated or unrealistic. Hiring managers understand that most candidates will not be a 100% match for every aspect of a job description. Overstating your skills could lead to unrealistic expectations from the hiring manager, setting you up for difficulties if you move forward in the hiring process.

 

If you only have limited experience with a skill mentioned in the job description, be honest about your knowledge level. For example, if you’ve only used a specific software tool in a couple of projects, it’s better to say, “I have basic experience with [software name], and I’m eager to learn more,” rather than suggesting you’re an expert. Setting realistic expectations helps build trust with the hiring manager and can make you a more appealing candidate.

 

5. Underselling yourself.

On the other hand, don’t be so humble that you fail to showcase your relevant skills. If you lack experience in an area, it’s okay to admit it, but always try to end on a positive note. For example, you could say, “While I haven’t directly worked with this tool, I am a quick learner, and in my last position, I mastered several new software programs in a short amount of time.” This approach shows confidence, a willingness to learn, and adaptability, which are qualities most hiring managers appreciate.

 

When preparing for a phone interview, consider your strengths and how they apply to the role. Be ready to speak about accomplishments that relate to the job and provide evidence of how your skills can benefit the team. This is your chance to sell your capabilities without exaggeration, ensuring the interviewer understands your potential contributions.

 

6. Surrounding yourself with potential noise or distractions.

One of the most overlooked interview tips is to choose a quiet, comfortable space for your phone interview. Background noise from family members, electronics, or even pets can create a poor impression. Before the call, let family members know you’ll need silence and make sure all notifications on your devices are off. Being in a quiet, comfortable space allows you to focus entirely on the interview questions and maintain the flow of the conversation without disruptions.

 

Some candidates find that using a headset or earbuds helps them hear better and reduces distractions. If you’re in an area with potential background noise, it’s better to reschedule the interview than risk interruptions. The hiring manager will appreciate your professionalism in creating an environment where you can give your full attention to the conversation.

 

7. Failure to prepare for the interview.

Preparing for a phone interview involves more than just brushing up on your resume. Knowing the “5 W’s” of the interview process can give you a strong foundation:

  • Who you’ll be interviewing with, including their role and background within the company.
  • What the job entails and any specific skills or experiences that align with the role.
  • When the company needs someone in the position, which may help you gauge how urgently they need to hire.
  • Where the company is located, whether the role is remote, or if there’s any required travel.
  • Why the position is open, such as expansion, a recent departure, or an internal promotion.

 

Doing this homework before a job interview can help you go beyond common interview questions and give you the confidence to ask more insightful questions about the company. Researching the company’s values, recent achievements, and any upcoming projects or changes demonstrates a proactive approach. It shows the hiring manager you’re serious about joining their team and motivated to understand the organization’s goals.

 

Preparing copies of your resume to refer to during the interview can also be helpful if the interviewer asks about specific dates, roles, or experiences. Having these details at your fingertips makes the conversation more fluid, and it helps ensure that you’re providing accurate information about your experience.

 

Make Next Interview Your Best Interview

You may not be guilty of all these mistakes but improving even in one or two of these areas can make a significant difference in how you come across in a phone interview. From knowing how to respond when you don’t understand a question to creating a quiet, comfortable environment, these phone interview tips can increase your chances of making a strong impression.

 

Focusing on these tips can help you move past the phone screen to a face-to-face interview or even secure the job. Each interview is a learning experience, and by being aware of common mistakes, you’re already one step closer to landing your dream role. Good luck, and happy interviewing!