Be Prepared. It’s the oldest advice in the book, but that’s because it’s so true. When anticipating a phone interview, consider the following tips:

•   Keep all of your employer research materials within easy reach of the phone so you don’t have to     scramble for it or make awkward conversation while you try to remember what drawer it’s in.
•   Post your resume to a wall near the phone. This will help you reference what a recruiter has in front     of them, and may help you bring up past experience or skills more easily, when you are on the spot     during an interview.
•   Make sure there is a notepad handy to the place you take calls, so you can take down names,     numbers and notes on the interview.

During the telephone interview. You can be nervous and excited during an interview! That’s understandable. But your manners will make an impression as strongly as your work experience. Avoid interrupting the caller, and allow the recruiter complete his or her question before you begin to respond.

Do not be afraid to ask for clarification, it’s a sign of careful thought. If you aren’t sure how to phrase this, try something like, “I think I understand the question as asking….. Is that correct?” or “Would you mind quickly asking your question one more time? I want to make sure I answer it in the most direct way.”

Here is a quick checklist of tips to remember, that you can run through during a phone interview:

•   Make sure you know which job you are interviewing for if you’ve applied for more than one.
•   Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
•   Take your time. It is perfectly acceptable to take a moment to collect your thoughts.
•   Use the caller’s last name as a rule. Only use a first name if they ask you to.
•   When being interviewed over phone, make sure you are in a place where you can access Internet, take     notes, and concentrate without interruption.
•   Keep your answers direct and brief. It can be easy to ramble from nerves, but don’t let yourself.
•   Practice answering in a tone of voice that is positive and self-confident.
•   Be thinking of a strong question or two that you might have for the end of the interview so you sound     engaged and strong as well.
•   Remember your goal is to set up a face-to-face interview.

A major advantage of the phone interview is that you can have as many preparatory materials open as you need. This should include the materials you sent in with your application, as well as stories or subjects you would like to steer the interview toward. You can also have information on the company, including their history and products, open for reference.

By having your materials open and available when you are over a phone interview, you are more likely to give thoughtful, meaningful answers, and to leave the best impression possible with your interviewer.