Interview Advice

Telephone and virtual interviews are commonly used to screen candidates, helping employers narrow the pool before inviting applicants for face-to-face interviews.

Here’s how to make the most of your phone or virtual interview:

Be Flexible – While actively job searching, try to be flexible with interview timings. Phone or virtual interviews usually last no more than 30 minutes.

Be Prepared – Treat a phone or virtual interview with the same level of preparation as an in-person one — this is your first opportunity to make a strong impression.

Prepare a list of your strengths, weaknesses, and examples of key accomplishments.
Review answers to common interview questions.
Be ready to discuss your background, skills, and experience clearly.

Presentation Matters

Even for virtual interviews, dress professionally as you would for an in-person meeting. Dressing smartly not only sets the right tone but also puts you in the right mindset.

Handy Tips

Keep your CV in front of you for quick reference.
Have a short list of key achievements ready to discuss.
Keep a pen and paper handy for note-taking.
Turn off call-waiting to avoid interruptions.
For virtual interviews, ensure you have the correct app downloaded (usually Microsoft Teams or Zoom), know where the invite link is, and test your speakers, camera, and microphone beforehand.
Charge your device and ensure you are somewhere quiet and free from interruptions.
For virtual calls, keep your background neutral or blurred to maintain a professional appearance.
If a call arrives unexpectedly and it’s inconvenient, politely request another time and suggest alternatives.
Clear the room of distractions — pets, children, TV — and ensure good mobile / Wi Fi signal.

Dos & Don’ts

Do:

Keep a glass of water nearby.
Smile — it positively affects your tone of voice.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Check with your consultant on how the interviewer likes to be addressed, if in doubt ask them or use formal titles (Mr./Ms.) until asked to use first names.
Take a moment to collect your thoughts when needed.
Remember your goal: to secure a face-to-face interview. Ask about next steps at the end of the call.
Do have a few questions up your sleeve for the end of the interview, remember this is your chance to assess they are the right company for you as well.
Be relaxed and authentic; the interviewer wants to see the real you.

Don’t:

Smoke, chew gum, or eat during the interview.
Interrupt the interviewer.
Over-talk — be concise while providing enough detail.
Don’t be negative about current or previous colleagues, employers or companies, remain professional and diplomatic.

First impressions count

Arrive 5–10 minutes early — this shows punctuality and preparation.
Greet your interviewer with a smile and confident eye contact. Offer a handshake if appropriate.
Use the walk from reception to the interview room to relax and engage in light, friendly conversation if appropriate. Remember, interviewers often form first impressions within the first few minutes.

Be prepared

Re-read your CV and the job description before the interview.
Research the company thoroughly: website, services, recent projects, awards, market areas, branch network, and company history.
Know your performance metrics relevant to the role — e.g., sales figures, lettings, or other targets.
Decide on your salary expectations in advance, as you may be asked.
Review your LinkedIn profile and ensure it’s professional and up-to-date — interviewers often check candidates online.
Check your personal social media, is it professional, is it what you’d want a future employer to see, if not lock it down or update it!

Mirror their style, Naturally

Observe the interviewer’s tone — upbeat, chatty, formal, or concise. Adapt your style naturally to create a comfortable conversation, without mimicking them.
Maintain eye contact, sit upright, and relax — remember, it’s a conversation, not an interrogation.

Why Should They Hire You?

Job adverts list the qualities they want — e.g., teamwork, communication, problem-solving. Be ready with examples demonstrating these skills.
Use real-life examples to answer competency questions, following the STAR method if you can, this involves briefly outlining the : Situation, Task, Action and Result.
Highlight your knowledge, experience, and achievements — be prepared but be authentic, not scripted!

Be Positive

Focus on what excites you about the role and company. Avoid speaking negatively about current colleagues, managers, or employers.
Show enthusiasm, energy, and a can-do attitude. Interviewers want to imagine them and their team working with someone motivated and professional.

Remember Your Body Language

Sit upright, maintain good eye contact, and use open, confident gestures.
Avoid crossing your arms, leaning back, or looking at the floor — non-verbal cues communicate as much as your words.

Expect the Unexpected

Interviewers may ask challenging questions to test your composure.
Stay calm, take a moment to collect your thoughts if needed, and ask for clarification rather than avoiding a question.

Develop Rapport

Show energy, positivity, and a sense of humour where appropriate. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Have a few questions up your sleeve, interviewers will always ask if you have any questions, this is just as much part of the interview. They want to see you have put some thought into this.
1. “What does the remainder of the interview process look like?”
2. “Do you think I could be a good fit for your team?”
3. “What are your plans for growing the business?”

Relax and Be Yourself

Remember, the interviewer wants to hire you, not someone else. Be authentic, confident, and professional — your personality is what sets you apart from the others

Clarify Anything You’re Unsure Of

Ask for clarification if a question isn’t clear.
At the end, ask if there’s anything else they’d like to know and when you can expect feedback.

Follow-Up and Manners

Express why you’re interested in the company and role — enthusiasm matters.
Send a polite thank-you email or LinkedIn message to your interviewer, ideally via your Magnus James consultant, reinforcing your interest in the role.