Master virtual and telephone interviews with expert tips on technology, etiquette, timing and enthusiasm that help you reach the next round.
Virtual hiring is no longer a stopgap, it is now a permanent part of how organizations recruit. Cost pressures and efficiency goals have pushed many employers to favour telephone and video platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc. over in-person first rounds. Virtual interview technology now features in the large majority of hiring processes, and most job seekers now expect a virtual option to be on the table at some stage of the process. With every vacancy attracting hundreds or thousands of applications, screening tools and video platforms are helping recruiters manage the volume, which shifts more of the burden onto candidates to perform well without the benefit of a face-to-face first impression.
Since you rarely get that first chance to demonstrate your warmth and presence in person, how do you ace a virtual or telephone interview and earn a place in the next round?
At Edge Point Solutions Ltd, we provide expert career consulting services designed to increase your job prospects and help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Here are our thoughts and insights for prospective job applicants preparing for virtual or telephone interviews.
1. Get Ready for the Call
The recruiter will usually tell you in advance whether the interview will be by telephone, video or audio, and on which platform. Once you have this information, plan accordingly. If it is a phone interview, charge your phone fully, and if your battery cannot sustain a 60-minute call, borrow a handset or a reliable power bank.
Keep some airtime available so you can call back quickly if the line drops — don’t assume the interviewer will always be the one to reconnect. Be mindful of your network coverage too, and use your preparation time to work around any known dead spots.
2. Prepare for Video or Audio Calls
Video calls can be challenging if you have not tested them beforehand. Install the required app on your phone or computer, and learn in advance how to join using a link or meeting ID — ideally by doing a trial run with a friend or colleague. Video calls need a strong, stable connection, so make sure you have sufficient data bundles or a reliable Wi-Fi connection, and good headphones or earphones on hand. Technical hiccups are common enough that recruiters routinely name connection lag as one of their biggest frustrations during virtual interviews, so a quick equipment check is time well spent.
Most importantly, check your dress code. The interviewer may see your face, posture and attire on video and factor that into their impression of you, so dress as you would for an in-person interview.
3. Learn Video and Phone Call Etiquette
Every candidate should practise basic call etiquette. This is not a chat with a friend — it begins with how you receive the call, where you take it, and the first words you say. Instead of opening with “hey,” “hi,” or a casual greeting, say something professional such as, “Hello, this is [Name] speaking.”
Watch your use of filler words — um, like, uh, you know — and aim to sound polished. Recording yourself while you practise can help you notice and reduce these habits. Avoid mixing languages or slang with English during formal interviews unless the role specifically calls for that skill.
4. Maintain the Three-Second Rule
Allow at least three seconds after a question before you respond. Jumping in immediately can come across as impatient or as though you have not really thought about your answer — a trait few employers want on the job, where a moment’s reflection before sending an email or report is often exactly what is expected of you.
5. Show Enthusiasm
It is entirely possible to project energy through a screen or a phone line. Smile naturally throughout the interview — it keeps you relaxed and sounding confident, while excessive seriousness tends to make responses stiffer and less coherent. Use natural, confident phrases such as, “I’m excited to speak with you about this role,” and let your facial expressions and body language reinforce that energy on video. A short rehearsal beforehand goes a long way here.
6. End Strong
Just as the opening sets the tone, the close is what recruiters tend to remember. As the conversation wraps up, say something like, “I’d like to thank you for your time and consideration,” then ask about next steps — hesitation on their part can be a useful signal. You can also close with, “I’m highly interested in this position, and here’s why I think I’d be a great fit,” summarizing how you meet the role’s requirements.
At Edge Point Solutions Ltd, we offer expert-led mock (simulation) interviews that give candidates real-life practice for virtual and telephone formats. This boosts confidence and helps you refine your responses before the interview that counts.
Author: Kenneth Otieno, Director