Great Tips for Your Next Phone Interview

It's not uncommon for employers to set up a phone interview before deciding to meet a job candidate in person. Phone interviews serve many purposes, including screening candidates, narrowing the applicant pool and getting a general idea of the applicant's personality. Follow these tips to ensure you ace your phone interview and land a face-to-face meeting.

Prepare Your Space and Equipment

Choose an interview space that's free of distractions from kids, dogs or noisy relatives. If your home is extremely active, ask a friend to use his space, or pay a sitter to watch your children and pets. A quiet environment is necessary to keep you focused on the interview questions and answers. A quiet background also keeps you from distracting your interviewer, which can have a negative outcome. It's also important to check your phone equipment. Use a reliable landline phone, if possible. If you're using a cellphone, make sure it's working properly and charged before the interview.

Create a Cheat Sheet

Having the ability to use a cheat sheet is a major benefit of a phone interview. Use this to your advantage by jotting down the answers to some common interview questions, such as "What are your professional strengths?" and "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Refer to the job posting, your resume and cover letter when crafting your answers, since the recruiter likely has these documents in front of her. Jot down the experiences and skills you want to emphasize, and write down a few questions about the job that were not covered in the job description. Learn as much about the company as possible, and jot down some important facts about the organization. Use these facts to impress recruiters while answering questions during your phone interview.

Smile and Relax

Phone interviews don't have to be tense, nerve-wracking experiences. Smile throughout the interview to give off an air of friendliness. Maintain a professional tone throughout the conversation, being sure not to get overly excited or too relaxed when answering questions. Even though the interviewer can't see you, make sure you look and feel good before the interview, as this impacts how you come across to recruiters. Sit up straight to boost your confidence and ensure you stay alert throughout the interview.

Confirm Beforehand, and Follow Up Afterward

Prior to the interview day, call or email the interviewer to confirm the appointment. This is a great way to demonstrate your professionalism and organization skills, which can make you a stronger job candidate. After the interview, ask about the next steps in the process. If you don't hear back from the recruiter within the specified time frame, don't hesitate to call back to let the employer know you're still interested.

Don't make the mistake of treating your phone interview like a casual phone call. Prepare for the interview in the same way you prepare for an in-person interview. Answer questions concisely, discuss your accomplishments and ask industry-related questions. Do your best to maintain a natural rhythm with the caller to build a rapport during the phone interview, and remain professional yet pleasant throughout the call to increase your chance of meeting the recruiter in person.

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