Set Up The Phone Interview At A Time That Works For You
You often have choices about when to schedule your call. It only makes sense to schedule it when you're most alert—if you're a morning person, schedule it early. If it takes you a good few hours to become your best, schedule it for the afternoon. If they call you and it isn't a good time for you, let them know that it isn't the best time (no need to tell them why) and ask to reschedule. Just don't wait too long to make that happen.
Hint: Make sure that when you do set it up, you leave yourself a cushion of time after the call, in case it goes especially well and runs long. Some phone interviews stick with a time limit of 10-15 minutes, but others go 30-45 minutes or longer.
Pick A Quiet Spot To Talk
There's nothing like being on the phone in a noisy public place to signal that you aren't taking this call seriously. Instead, do the interview at home, in a room by yourself. You want no distractions.
If You Can, Use A Landline For Your Interview
Bad reception can ruin your call. Play it safe and use a landline, if possible.
Research The Company
Some job seekers think phone interviews are basic information sessions, but you'll make a much stronger impression if you already know everything you can about the company before your call. You'll ask better questions and give more impressive answers to their questions.
Dress For The Interview
It's easy to be tempted to stay in your pajamas for this call, but it's better to wear work clothes. Clothes do affect how we behave and you need to be all business.
Make Sure You're Physically Comfortable & Relaxed
Eat, drink, take a bathroom break, and take a few moments to breathe and relax before your call.
Prepare 'Cheat Sheets'
Since they can't see you, this is the perfect opportunity to have out in front of you a printed out resume, notes on the company, questions you want to ask, and words and phrases you want to use in your phone interview answers. This is one of the few advantages of a phone interview, so make the most of it. Just spread them out in front of you so they can't hear you shuffling papers. Make sure you also have blank paper with a pen to take notes.
It's important to do as much pre-interview prep as you can. You will never get another chance to make a first impression with this company. How you do now will affect whether or not you get the face-to-face interview, and it can bias them to like you even more before you set one foot on site.
For more phone interview tips, head to the Phone Interview Tips series on my blog, and also see my 5 Phone Interview Questions You Will Be Asked. There, you can download my free phone interview prep podcast.
And if you need more interview advice, or are looking to change careers, check out Work It Daily's programs! Our career growth specialists are here to help you, whether you're in a career slump, or are having trouble navigating the job search.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a Work It Daily-approved expert.