A phone interview is more or less a guarantee for most roles you apply to. A critical part of the hiring process, the initial phone screening, is a hiring manager’s way of deciding who gets to move along in the hiring process. Because of this, it’s important to know key phone interview tips that will help you make it past this initial screening!

This typically starts with knowing that you need to make a strong first impression to the hiring manager. As long as you take it as seriously as other parts of the hiring process, you have a strong chance of making it to the next round of interviews.

Here are five phone interview tips you’ll need to know in order to make it to the next round of interviews:

Keep your job search organized

A phone interview can come up unexpectedly, so being organized is among the key tips you need to know. In order to keep your job search organized, keep all your application materials in one, easily accessible place. Be sure to keep track of the company, the role you applied to, when you applied, and any other pertinent information you’ll want on hand should you get called for an interview. By doing so, you’ll be able to transition seamlessly into the interview.

Be aware of time constraints

Phone interviews typically don’t go beyond 30 minutes, so be aware that you have a limited amount of time to make a strong impression. However, it’s also important to know what it means to make a good impression during a phone interview. At this part of the hiring process, you’ll want to convey why you’re interested in the job opportunity and the company. This is one of the most important phone interview tips to follow because being aware of time can keep you on track for getting all of your major points across!

Highlight important skills and responsibilities in the job description

Beyond discussing your interest in the position, you’ll also want to highlight which skills of yours match the skills listed in the job description. Even though you don’t have to go into detail about your skillset, touching on them briefly shows that you read and understand what’s needed for the position. Not only does this demonstrate your interest in the role, but it also gives the interviewer a better idea of what you can bring to the table.

Listen, then talk

A phone interview is a way for the hiring manager to determine whether or not you should be called in for an in-person interview. Because of this, it’s important to let the hiring manager dictate most of the conversation. Since this is an opportunity for the hiring manager to gauge your interest in the company and opportunity, making the effort to listen will go a long way!

Send a thank you email

Once you’ve finished the phone interview, you’ll want to take some time to craft a thoughtful thank you email to the person you spoke to. You may not think this is among the most important phone interview tips to worry about, but it actually may be among the most important! By doing so, you not only show the interviewer that you value their time, but that you’re interested in the opportunity and moving forward in the hiring process. If you don’t send a thank you note, you could be taken out of the running altogether!