Phone Interview Tips, Part 1

Interviewing for a new job? Have a phone interview that's scaring you to death?
I've been a part of quite a few phone interviews, as interviewee and also as interviewer.  Here are a few tips that were passed down to me, and some I've picked up along the way.

Treat it like a face-to-face interview… be ready early, have your notes together, smile, etc. Keep your scheduled appointment and try to avoid having to call the interviewer back later because something came up.

Dress the part. Seriously.  If you look professional and take time to prepare, it’ll change your perspective.  Dressing professionally will help you feel more confident about the interview.

Find a quiet, comfortable place to be during the interview.  Make sure there are no distractions.  This will help you focus.  It also helps the interviewer when there’s no background noise. If you’re walking, it’s harder to talk without become winded.  If you’re in a loud place, it’s just annoying.

Before the interview, brainstorm potential questions.  Write them down, along with your answers to those questions.  Why do you want the job?  What do you have to offer?  What are your greatest strengths and areas of growth/improvement?  What concerns do you have?  What experiences from your past have helped prepare you for this job? 

Print out and keep in sight those questions and answers. They may never come up, but they also might help you  in the interview.   You'd be surprised how much this will equip you to talk about what you bring to the table!

Come back tomorrow for Phone Interview Tips, Part 2!