The Dreaded Phone Interview

Hiring Companies are typically making their first contact with a prospective candidate by a short screening interview via phone.

Be enthusiastic. Some people find it helps to smile while they talk. Talk pleasantly like you are on a first date with someone you like.

Use a land line, and disable call waiting. Interruptions caused by dropped connections or incoming calls just add extra stress you don't need.

Have a written list of questions prepared. Well-thought-out questions show you're really interested in both the company and the job. Also, have your resume in front of you. Make sure it's the same version the interviewer has.

Match your style to the interviewer's. If the interviewer uses a lot of technical terms and industry jargon, so should you. Answer all questions directly and quickly without drawing- on or changing the subject.

Never interrupt. Silently count to two or three seconds after the interviewer stops talking before you start talking.

Avoid negative words. Banish negative verbs like 'can't,' 'haven't' and 'don't' from your vocabulary. Employers want people who can offer solutions, not potentially create problems.

Recap your "fit" for the job. Always be ready with a 30-second summary of why you're right for this job, using an example or two from your work history.

Ask about next the steps. At the end of the call, ask how well your qualifications meet the company's needs. This will give you a chance to address minor issues immediately. Then request politely when you can meet again with them in person.

Say thanks using their first name. Follow up immediately with an e-mail or a handwritten note. While you're at it, briefly remind the interviewer how your skills and achievements can help the company meet its goals.

Make detailed notes. As soon as possible, write down the details of your discussion. Their goals, position description, needs, concerns mentioned, etc to prepare for their next meeting. Jot down topics and questions that seem to be of particular interest to the person interviewing you, so you can touch on these when you send your thank-you.

Wear business attire. Of course the interviewer can't see you, but you won't feel, or sound, as business-like in your casual dress clothes.

Have a cough drop before the call. A medicated cough drop (especially one with menthol) will be good for your voice. It's a small but helpful thing.

Have a photo of your interviewer on your computer screen. This could be from LinkedIn, Facebook, the company website, or anywhere else your interviewer's face might appear online. (You have Googled him or her in advance, right?) It makes the interview a little more like an in-person conversation.

Avoid saying "um" or "ah." Try replacing those sounds with a pause, which is a sign of intelligence.

Even if you decide you don't want the job, continue to proceed as if you did. People sometimes realize during a phone interview that the job in question just isn't for them. However, at this stage, you still don't have the full story. You never know whom you might meet at in-person interviews, and what networking opportunities could result. Until you get a firm offer and must make a final decision, keep your options open. After all, that's exactly what the company is doing.

Remember also, the more practice (interviews) you do, the better you become. This ultimately leads to the new job offer.