Managing Phone and Video Job Interviews.

More and more interviews now happen by phone or video. This lesson prepares you for these formats so technology does not block your performance. You explore common problems such as poor sound, delays and talking over each other, and learn simple phrases to manage them politely. You practise opening a video call, checking the connection, and dealing with small talk when you are not sitting in the same room. You also discuss camera position, background and lighting, and how to use eye contact and gestures naturally on screen. For phone interviews, you focus on speaking clearly without body language, spelling names, repeating important information and taking notes. Cultural aspects such as punctuality, preparation and directness in international contexts are highlighted. By the end, you can handle the practical and communicative challenges of remote interviews with much more confidence.

1. Starting a video interview confidently.

In many modern job interviews, your first contact with the company is a video call on Zoom, Teams or a similar platform. The first thirty to sixty seconds are important, because they create a clear impression of your professionalism and your communication style. In this first block, we will focus on that very beginning. You will see a short model dialogue of a candidate joining a video call with an HR manager. I want you to notice the order of actions and the key phrases they use. First they greet and thank the interviewer for their time. Then they check the sound and connection politely. Finally, they add one very short comment, similar to small talk, that helps build a friendly tone. After you read the example on the screen, you will answer a few questions and then write your own short opening for a real video interview, using some of the useful phrases you have seen.

The first minute of a video interview.

When you join a video interview, you usually have just a few seconds to show that you are prepared, polite and easy to speak with. A clear routine can help you feel calmer and sound more professional.

Here is a short model opening. The candidate is Alex. The HR manager is Maria.

Model video call opening

Maria: Hello Alex, can you hear me clearly?

Alex: Hi Maria, yes, I can hear you clearly, thank you.

Maria: Great. Thank you for joining the call today.

Alex: Thank you very much for inviting me. It is great to speak with you online.

Maria: Excellent. Shall we turn our cameras on now?

Alex: Yes, of course. One moment please.

Maria: Perfect. How are you today?

Alex: I am very well, thanks. I am really pleased to be here and I am looking forward to our conversation.

What can we notice?.

In the audio, you heard how the beginning of a video interview can feel calm and friendly. On the screen you can now see the same dialogue. Look carefully at the order and the language.

Check sound and connection

Alex answers the first question directly and clearly: Yes, I can hear you clearly, thank you.

Thank the interviewer for their time

Alex uses polite phrases such as Thank you very much for inviting me and It is great to speak with you online.

Show enthusiasm

At the end, Alex adds I am really pleased to be here and I am looking forward to our conversation. This sounds positive but not too emotional.

You do not need to copy Alex exactly, but you can reuse this structure in your own interviews. A simple routine like this makes the first minute much easier.

Practice & Feedback

Read the model dialogue again in the resource box. Then answer the three tasks in one text box.

1. First, write one sentence that explains, in your own words, what happens in the first minute of this video interview.
2. Next, copy one polite phrase Alex uses to thank Maria, and one phrase Alex uses to show enthusiasm.
3. Finally, imagine you are starting a real video interview next week. Write two or three sentences that you could say at the beginning. Try to follow Alex's structure: confirm sound, thank the interviewer, and show positive interest. Use at least one phrase from the model or a similar phrase in your own words.

Write everything together in one short paragraph of about 5 to 8 sentences.

2. Handling sound and connection problems.

In real video interviews, technology is not always perfect. Sometimes the sound is weak, there is an echo, or the picture freezes. Many candidates feel embarrassed when this happens, but interviewers know that these problems are normal. What matters is how you react. In this block, we will focus on simple, polite phrases you can use when there is a sound or connection problem. The goal is to stay calm, show that you are professional, and solve the problem together with the interviewer. On the screen you will see typical issues and useful sentences. Then you will listen to a short example of Alex having a technical problem in a video interview. After listening, you will write what the problem was, which phrases Alex used, and then you will create your own sentences for similar situations. This will help you feel more confident when something goes wrong online.

Typical online interview problems.

Even with good preparation, video calls sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems in online interviews:

• You cannot hear the interviewer well.
• The interviewer cannot hear you.
• There is a delay, so you talk over each other.
• The sound cuts out and you miss some words.

The important point is to react quickly and politely. Do not just say nothing and hope it improves. Use clear, simple sentences.

Useful phrases for sound and connection issues.

Here are some helpful expressions you can use.

• Can you hear me clearly?
• I am sorry, I cannot hear you very well.
• There seems to be a slight delay.
• Could you please speak a little more slowly?
• Let me just check my connection.
• I will repeat that to make sure I understood.
• Could you please repeat the last part?

Notice that these sentences are polite but direct. They clearly describe the problem and make a simple request.

Staying calm and professional.

If there is a problem, it is fine to pause the interview for a moment. You can say something like: Let me just check my connection. I will be back in a few seconds. If you need to switch off your camera to improve the sound, you can explain: If you do not mind, I will turn my camera off for a moment to improve the sound.

In the listening activity, you will hear how Alex uses some of these phrases. Listen carefully for the exact expressions and think about how you could use them in your own interviews.

Practice & Feedback

Now listen to the short conversation in the resource. It is part of a video interview between Alex and Maria where there is a sound problem.

Listen once to get the general idea. Then listen a second time and focus on the words and phrases. After listening, write your answers in one text box.

1. Describe in one or two sentences what the main technical problem was.
2. Write down two polite sentences Alex uses to talk about the problem or to repair it. If you are not sure of the exact words, write the best version you can remember.
3. Finally, imagine a different interview where you have a problem with sound or connection. Write two or three polite sentences you could say to explain the problem and ask for help. Try to use or adapt some phrases from the list on the screen.

Aim for about 6 to 9 sentences in total.

3. Small talk and turn taking on video.

Once the connection is working, the interviewer will often use the first minute for a little small talk before the main questions start. This can feel more difficult online, because it is harder to read body language and you may speak at the same time. However, small talk is a chance to relax, sound friendly and build a human connection. In this block, we will look at short, safe topics for small talk in video interviews, and simple phrases for managing turn taking so you do not constantly interrupt each other. On the screen you will see a model conversation where Alex and Maria talk briefly about time zones and working from home. Notice how they keep their answers short and positive. Notice also how they repair the situation when they start speaking at the same time. After reading and thinking about this example, you will write your own small talk lines that you could use at the start of a future interview.

Why small talk matters online.

In many cultures, small talk at the beginning of an interview is not just a polite extra. It is a way to build trust, check your communication style and create a relaxed atmosphere. In video interviews, this can feel strange, because you are looking at a screen, not at a person in the same room. A simple plan and some safe topics can make it easier.

Good topics for small talk in interviews include:

• how your day is going
• the time of day or time zone
• the weather in a neutral way
• working from home or from the office

Avoid personal or controversial topics such as politics, religion or family details.

Model small talk with turn taking.

Maria: Before we start, how is your day going so far, Alex?

Alex: It is going well, thank you. It is still morning here, so I have had time to prepare for our call.

Maria: Right, you are one hour ahead, I think.

Alex: Yes, that is correct. Thank you again for arranging a time that works across time zones.

Maria: My pleasure. Are you working from home today?

Alex: Yes, I am working from home. It is very quiet here, so it is a good environment for the interview.

Maria: Great. So, shall we begin?

Alex: Yes, of course.

Sometimes people start speaking at the same time on video. To manage this politely, you can use simple phrases such as:

• Sorry, please go ahead.
• You go first.
• After you.

Using these expressions shows that you are considerate and aware of turn taking, even without clear body language.

Practice & Feedback

Read the model small talk conversation in the resource. Notice the topics and the length of each answer. They are friendly, positive and quite short.

Now imagine you are at the beginning of a video interview with an international company. The interviewer asks you a few small talk questions.

In the text box, write 4 to 6 lines of small talk that you could use. You can invent the interviewer questions, or you can only write your answers. Try to include:

• one line where you describe how your day is going
• one line where you mention the time of day or time zone
• one line about working from home or the office
• one line where you politely let the interviewer speak first, for example if you start at the same time

Keep each line short, like in a chat or dialogue. Use some phrases from the examples on the screen if they fit your situation.

4. Phone interviews and spelling details clearly.

Video interviews are very common, but many companies still use phone interviews, especially for a first screening. On the phone, the interviewer cannot see your face or your body language. They only have your voice. This means that clear speaking and careful confirmation of details are even more important. In this block, we will focus on spelling names and email addresses, and on confirming numbers and times on the phone. You will see a short example of a recruiter checking details with Alex. Notice how Alex repeats key information and uses polite phrases to confirm it. Then you will take the role of Alex in a chat style activity. You will write your side of a phone conversation where you spell your email address, repeat the interview time and close the call politely. This will help you feel comfortable saying letters and numbers slowly and clearly in English when there is no video.

Why confirmation is vital on the phone.

In phone interviews, many problems happen because someone hears a letter or number incorrectly. For example, the interviewer writes the wrong email address, or you misunderstand the interview time. To avoid this, it is important to:

• spell names and email addresses slowly
• repeat important numbers such as dates and times
• check that you understood correctly

Useful phrases for spelling and checking.

Here are some simple, professional phrases that work well on the phone:

• Could you please spell your name for me?
• Sure, it is A L E X.
• Let me just repeat that to check.
• So that is A L E X, correct?
• Could you please spell that email address for me?
• The interview is on Tuesday at ten in the morning, UK time. Is that right?
• Yes, that is correct. Tuesday at ten a.m. UK time.

Short phone screening example.

Recruiter: Hello, is that Alex?

Alex: Speaking.

Recruiter: Great. Before we confirm the interview, could you please spell your email address for me?

Alex: Yes, of course. It is alex dot fernando at mail dot com.

Recruiter: Thank you. So that is alex dot fernando at mail dot com, correct?

Alex: Yes, that is correct.

Recruiter: Perfect. The interview will be on Tuesday the fourteenth at ten a.m. UK time. Does that work for you?

Alex: Yes, that works very well, thank you.

Recruiter: Excellent. I will send a calendar invite today.

Alex: Thank you very much. I look forward to speaking with you.

Practice & Feedback

In the resource you will see a short script with only the recruiter's lines from a phone call. Your job is to write Alex's side of this conversation.

Imagine you are Alex. The recruiter is calling you to confirm some details for a phone interview. Read each recruiter line carefully and then write your answer underneath it, as if it were a chat log or transcript. Include at least:

• a polite greeting and confirmation of your identity
• clear spelling of your email address (invent one if you prefer)
• repetition of the interview date and time, including the time zone
• a polite closing line that shows enthusiasm

Write your answers as separate lines starting with something like

You: ...

Try to use some of the phrases from the examples on the screen, but adapt them to your own details.

5. Online body language and cultural expectations.

Technology is not only about sound and cameras. In video interviews, interviewers also notice your background, lighting, and how you use your face and body. In international interviews, cultural expectations can be different from what you are used to. Some companies expect you to be quite direct and look straight at the camera. Others prefer a softer style. In this block, we will not try to copy one culture exactly. Instead, we will look at some basic expectations that are safe in most professional contexts. On the screen you will see simple tips about camera position, background, punctuality and tone. Then you will read a short description of how Alex currently manages online interviews. Your task will be to give polite advice to Alex about what he should change. This will help you reflect on your own habits and decide what to keep and what to improve for your next remote interview.

Basic online body language.

In a video interview, the interviewer usually sees your head and shoulders. They do not see your whole body, but they still receive many signals from your eyes, face and posture.

Here are some general tips that work well in many cultures:

• Place the camera at eye level so it looks as if you are looking at the interviewer, not down at them.
• Sit up straight but relaxed. Avoid moving too much in your chair.
• Keep your background simple and tidy. A plain wall or a bookcase is usually fine.
• Check the lighting so that your face is not very dark.

Punctuality and preparation.

For international online interviews, punctuality is important. It is usually best to join the meeting three to five minutes before the start time. This shows respect and gives you time to check the connection. Having your CV, the job description and a notebook near you is also a good idea.

Tone and cultural expectations.

In many international companies, interviewers expect a tone that is polite but confident. This means:

• you say thank you for the opportunity
• you answer clearly, without being aggressive
• you show interest by asking one or two questions at the end

It is normally better to avoid very informal clothing such as a gym T shirt or pyjamas, even if you are at home.

Practice & Feedback

Read the description of Alex's current online interview habits in the resource box. Some things are good, and some things are not so professional.

Your task is to write polite advice for Alex. Imagine you are his friend or colleague, and he has asked you how to improve his remote interview style for an international company.

Write 5 to 7 sentences. Use phrases like 'He should...', 'It would be better if he...', 'He needs to...' or 'He could try to...'. Focus on body language, background, punctuality, clothing and tone.

Try to:

• mention at least three concrete things Alex should change
• mention one or two things he is already doing well
• connect your advice to the ideas in the tips on the screen, for example about camera level, joining a bit early or saying thank you

This reflection will also help you think about your own habits for online interviews.

6. Putting it all together in a remote interview.

You have now practised several key moments in phone and video interviews: opening the call, checking the connection, handling sound problems, making short small talk, spelling details on the phone and thinking about body language and culture. In this final block, it is time to bring everything together in one small performance. On the screen you will see two short model scripts. One shows how a candidate can open a video interview. The other shows how they can close it politely and clarify next steps. You will also see a simple checklist of points to include. Your task will be to write your own script for the beginning and the end of a remote interview for a real job you are interested in. You will imagine that the interview is on video with an international recruiter. Try to use some of the useful phrases from earlier blocks, but adapt them to your own situation so that they sound natural for you.

Model opening script.

Here is a complete example of how a candidate might open a video interview.

Candidate: Hello, can you hear me clearly?

Interviewer: Yes, I can. Can you hear me?

Candidate: Yes, I can hear you clearly, thank you. And thank you very much for inviting me today.

Interviewer: My pleasure.

Candidate: I am really pleased to be here and I am looking forward to our conversation. Before we start, is the sound and picture OK from your side?

Interviewer: Yes, everything looks fine.

Candidate: Great. In that case, I am ready to begin.

Model closing script.

Candidate: Thank you very much for your time today. It was great to speak with you and learn more about the role.

Interviewer: You are welcome.

Candidate: Before we finish, could you tell me briefly about the next steps in the process?

Interviewer: Yes, of course.

Candidate: Thank you, that is helpful to know. I am very interested in this opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you.

Checklist for your script.

When you write your own script, try to include:

• a clear greeting
• a sound or connection check
• one or two short small talk or enthusiasm sentences
• a polite thank you at the beginning or end
• a closing question about next steps
• a final positive sentence showing interest

You do not need to memorise the script word for word, but writing it now will help you feel ready when you join your next phone or video interview.

Practice & Feedback

Now it is your turn to write a complete mini script.

Imagine you have a video interview next week for a real or imaginary job that interests you. In one text box, write what you would say at the very beginning and at the very end of the interview.

1. For the opening, write 5 to 7 sentences. Include a greeting, a sound or connection check, a thank you and one short sentence of enthusiasm or small talk.
2. For the closing, write another 4 to 6 sentences. Include a thank you, one polite question about next steps, and a final sentence that shows positive interest.

Altogether, you should write around 9 to 13 sentences. You can use ideas and phrases from the model scripts and from earlier blocks, but adapt them to your own situation, job and personality.

Write it as continuous text, not as bullet points. Imagine you are speaking to a real interviewer on screen.