1. Make sure when the interviewer calls you there are no interruptions. You want to be able to focus on the interview so make sure you are alone while on the phone and that you have your call waiting feature turned off as well as good reception if using a cell phone or cordless phone.
2. If using your home phone, make sure your family members or other people that may answer your phone are aware that someone is calling you for an interview so that they may answer the phone professionally.
3. Make sure you research the position that they are hiring for as they will be asking you questions regarding the key skills that it will take to succeed in this job. Remember to elaborate on answers with examples of when you performed the specific skill. The great thing about phone interviews is that you can have these written out for reference. So think of skills that you will need to be good at the job and then think of an example of when you used this skill and write them out. Don’t read directly off of the paper but you can have cue cards for quick reference.
4. Make sure you have your resume, a pad of paper and something to write with in front of you while you are doing the interview on a clutter free surface. You don’t want to be scrambling for stuff while you are on the phone.
5. Practice your phone voice before the interview as this is what the interviewer is going to be judging you on. In a face to face interview you have your body language, smiling etc. but not in a phone interview. So leave yourself a voice message, call a friend etc. and practice to make yourself sound as professional as possible.
6. Make sure the TV. Radio etc. are off during the interview. Also make sure if you are using a cordless or cell phone that they are fully charged.
As with any interview have a couple of questions prepared to ask near the end of the interview. These questions should not deal with salary or benefits but should be well thought out, concerning the position and demonstrate your interest in the job.
Telephone interviews should be treated the same way as any other interview. Sound professional, eliminate any distractions, do your research, be well prepared and you will do great!