Tips for Acing Phone Interviews

If you've been offered a phone interview, there are a whole new set of rules to prepare for the interview. Here are a few tips for recent grads to ace their phone interviews.

It still counts as an interview. A phone inty is not any less important than a regular, in-person interview, so make sure you're on the ball. The interviewer is likely very busy and is using the convenience of a phone interview to quickly screen applicants. No reason not to shine! And when they can't see you, you may have some advantages.

Keep your resume in front of you. Just as you would bring your resume to a job interview with extra copies, you should have the same resume that the interviewer has. This will help you quickly refer to important highlights and keep the conversation moving. If the prospective employer references the "third bullet down" you'll know exactly what he or she is talking about.

Use a cheat sheet. You know how you are trying to visualize the bullet points of an interview response when you're in person? Now you don't have to! Keep a sheet with basic interview questions and some key points to compile your response. I would shy away from having a paragraph written and re-reading it, but if you jot down some key points of your answer (say, three strengths) you can save time and respond with a meaningful answer.

Sit in front of your computer. Let's say that the interviewer brings up something online--you'll be at the ready to check it out. I've had this happen (mostly in client meetings) when the other person wants to guide me through something or have me peek at their website. It may come in handy, so if you can have a computer ready that may be a good idea. Otherwise, be sure to jot down the URL so you can check out the site after you hang up.

Keep water close. In addition to having your resume available and some interview answers handy, it's good to keep a bottle of water close by. If your voice gets scratchy, just take a sip. I advise against a super hot beverage because you don't want to scald your tongue during an interview (imagine what that may sound like!) Also, tissues are a good thing to have handy, because if you sneeze, you can either pinch your nose to avoid it (yes, this works) or turn your head into the tissue. I also keep one or two pens handy, as well as a blank notepad so I can jot down any relevant details.

Get comfortable. Some people may still want to be dressed up so they feel more professional, but if you think you can hack the interview in jeans and sneaks, go for it. I like this option because you feel like you're getting away with something and you may be more comfortable--hence, a better interview. I always enjoy when I can be comfortable because after all of those uncomfortable interview moments, it's nice to hide behind the phone. Just make sure you sit upright and are serious about the interview. (Pink fuzz slippers or boxers are still okay though. After all, you won't get many opportunities like this!)

Don't mute. I know it's common to want to mute while the interviewer blabs on and on, but I've had this happen where I forget to un-mute the person, begin responding and then the interviewer is questioning where I've gone. Best to just listen, keep quiet and bide your time. Interviews on the phone are usually shorter than in-person interviews, anyway. The only reason to mute is to cover up a sneeze....and even if you don't cover up an ah-choo, it's good that the other person knows you're human anyway.

Eliminate distractions. You know to go into a quiet room and not to do the interview in the middle of the morning hustle at Starbucks, right? Be on a land line and shut the door to noisy kids, family members, roommates, pets, and other distractions. Turn the TV off and turn your cell phone off.

Be polite. I always like to re-iterate the interviewer's name at the end of the interview. "Thank you again, Susan, I appreciate your time." This shows that you're listening to what he or she has to say and incorporating his or her name shows you've paid attention. So when you get on the call, be sure to note the interviewer's name so you can thank him or her at the end. What about following up? Still write a note or an email to thank the interviewer yet again--and use his or her name in that communication as well.