1.     Isolate Yourself - Phone interviews place you at a disadvantage because you only have one tool of communication, your voice. The interviewer's impression of you is shaped by all the sounds coming through the phone. Insulate yourself from distractions and background noises. Do not have your phone interview when you are surrounded by a lot of noise like an outdoor cafe at a busy intersection. If the call is on your cell phone make sure the caller can hear you clearly.

2.       Make sure you are ready for the phone interview when scheduled.  (Preferably be by your phone 15 minutes early)  If there is an emergency or you do not get a call within 15 minutes of the planned time, try calling either the Company Interviewer or myself at (219) 926-7772 to salvage the situation.  My Cell is (219) 926-5015 if I am not at the office.

3.       Allow enough time for the full interview and don’t rush to cut it short. (Usually 20-45 minutes).  Be ready to schedule a second phone interview if asked.

4.       Even though you are only on a phone interview, there may be additional people brought in to the call.  Strive to make the best impression with all people that you talk to as you never know who the key influencers are.  A good rule of thumb is to always be positive with everyone you talk with in any interview situation.

5.       Focus on getting the name(s) and title(s) correct when you talk to any person(s) on an interview.  Confirm you have it right if not certain.

6.       Remember to have a smile when you talk, it comes across the phone believe it or not!  During the call you can standup, walk around and smile. All these things make a big difference in the projection and quality of your voice.

7.       Listen fully to questions that are asked; don’t interrupt.

8.       No matter how successful you have been, try not to blow your own horn too much.  Be careful not to project arrogance, as it is a real turn-off in the interview.  However, when appropriate, do not be afraid to describe your successes and accomplishments.  (Delivery is everything)

9.       Ask questions that show you are selective and interested in knowing about the actual position, company’s future direction and past history of success.

10.   Be prepared to answer the question of where you see yourself being career-wise in five years possibly even ten years.

11.   Be prepared to answer the question of what are your greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses.  Have a good weakness such as I work too hard at times, or I am so competitive that I just don’t give up etc…

12.   Be prepared to discuss your income expectations if it comes up.  In most cases will not in a phone interview but just in case be prepared.   (We will give the company an idea of your comfort zone)

13.   Express your interest in the position and in pursuing the opportunity to the next.   (Many times the person getting an on site interview where there are two equally strong candidates is the one who wants it the most by expressing a genuine interest.

14.   State your ability and desire to do the job if you are truly interested in it.

15.   Ask what the next step will be and what the time parameters are going to be before an actual On-Site interview and hiring decisions will be made.  You have the right to know and they need to know that you are an expandable commodity in demand by others.

16.   Be prepared with a copy of your resume next to you in case the interviewer wants to discuss it in detail.

17.   Leave the best possible impression, even on a phone interview.   You may not yet be 100% sold on the job, but you never know the future!  Burned bridges are hard to repair and you always want to have the ball in your court. 

18.   Always assume that the interview is of you so please do not have involvement by others during the interview.  This includes a spouse, children, friend the dog etc. in the background. 

19.   Always Do Your Best & Don’t Make Assumptions.  If not sure of something, ask a clarifying question.  If you think the other person has misunderstood you, clarify and re-state your thoughts and meaning.

20.   Be Positive, Enthusiastic and above all Honest to a “T”, it always pays off!

21.   What's Next? -At the conclusion, it is ok to ask the interviewer about next steps and timing of their hiring process. 
Remember that your objective (during the phone interview) is to secure a face-to-face interview.