There are several reasons for doing an interview over the phone. Often, you may live far away from the company you have applied to with the intention of relocating if hired. In this case, they will usually do an initial interview over the phone before going to the expense of an on-site interview. Or perhaps you are job seeking by calling companies that you would like to work for to see if there is anything available. Before you know it, you may be on the phone with someone with hiring power who wants to discuss your qualifications. The job seeking just became an interview. If you sent a cover letter with your resume indicating numbers that you can be reached at, the interviewer may decide to narrow down the field with a preliminary phone interview. In any case, you must be prepared to hold an interview over the phone that is as equally important as one held on site.

The first thing to do is to be sure that your answering machine or voicemail conveys a conservative message. This would not be the time to have a joke message or one that plays your favorite song before the beep. Make sure that the interviewer can confirm that they have dialed the correct number by either leaving your first or last name or phone number in the message; "You have reached 111-222-3344…" Be sure to make arrangements with those you live with about who will answer the phone and make message taking simple by keeping a pad and pen near the phone. You do not want your four year old taking a call from a prospective employer while you are getting the mail.

Secondly, create an interview place that is quiet and free from distractions. No one will take you seriously if they can hear the television in the background. Turn off your call waiting so that the interview doesn't continually get interrupted by a persistent caller. Have a glass of water available as you will not be able to take a break. Make sure that no one will bother you during the call. Keep on hand in this room all that you would take to an on site interview; your resume, reference list, license and certifications, and paper and pen. Make notes as you speak with the interviewer to use for research later.

It is usually advisable to make some note cards in advance highlighting your strengths with real life examples. This is where the phone interview can be advantageous because you can keep your notes handy. Have at your fingertips relevant information about the company with whom you are interviewing. Know their products and structure, all of the research that you would have done for an in person interview. They will not know that you are getting information from the documents in front of you. They will only hear an intelligent and well informed candidate.

It is often suggested that you stand, or even pace, while doing a phone interview. It makes you an active participant in the process and, literally, keeps you on your toes. Your response time will be quicker. Smiling is also important. When you smile you will subconsciously improve your telephone presence. Carry yourself physically as you would in an in person interview and you will convey the same tone over the phone.

If for some reason you cannot do the interview when the interviewer calls, say so and arrange for a later call. Obviously, this should be avoided if at all possible, but you may be at work or running out the door for another appointment. It is much better to be up front with the interviewer than to have your mind on something else that you should be doing. If at all possible, arrange for a time for you to call them back as it will give you a measure of control over the proceedings.

Lastly, keep a log of companies and positions that you applied for near your phone. This will help you keep your bearings when the call comes in.