In today’s digital age it is easy to feel as though we have the world at our fingertips. With the press of a button we can have instantaneous information and entertainment as we walk down the street, but how often do you actually use your phone to have a conversation? With texting and emailing, people are often uncomfortable having a conversation on the phone with a friend, let alone a potential employer.

Phone interviews are extremely common and often utilized as a way for an employer to narrow the pool of applicants that they are interested in. It is important to prepare for your phone interview just as you would do if you were going to be speaking with someone face to face. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your phone interview:

  1. Make sure that you are in a quiet space where you know you will not be interrupted
  2. If you will be using a cell phone, check ahead of time to make sure that the room you will be in will have service
  3. Disable any type of ring back tone
  4. Speak articulately and at a moderate pace
  5. If you are not using a cell phone, make sure that the phone receiver is not in too close proximity to your mouth
  6. Have a pen and paper accessible so that you can take your own notes
  7. Make sure that you have the version of your resume that we have provided the client with in front of you so that everyone is on the same page
  8. Take time prior to the phone interview to review the job description
By following these simple hints you will not only make a good first impression, but greatly increase your chances of getting called back for an inperson interview.