There is nothing quite like being notified that you’ve made it past the screening phase of the job search, and someone wants to interview you. This is the moment for which you’ve been practicing your interview skills with trusted friends. You’ve pictured this scenario so many times you can clearly see how it will happen all the way down to what you’re going to wear. Your vision is about to come to fruition, right? Well … close. You are getting the interview, but it may not look like what you thought.

It may be because the first interaction is truly a screening interview, or it may be because time and/or logistics prevent an in-person interview from being plausible. No matter the reason, oftentimes, first interviews are conducted over the phone. And, even though you won’t be leaving your home for the discussion, you will still be making your first impression. This point of contact is just as important as any other step in the interview process, so, intentional preparation is prudent. Judith Stock’s article, “6 Steps To Nailing A Job Interview … Over The Phone” offers some great guidance to get you ready.

Prepare. And, then, prepare some more. Just as with an in-person interview, it is critical to prepare for one conducted over the phone. Be sure you have done your research on the company and the position, and be ready to ask both insightful and clarifying questions. Your phone interview is sure to be shorter than an in-person one, so prepare to be thorough yet concise.

Stock offers a great preparation tip by suggesting looking for a picture of the person conducting the interview if you have a chance. Being able to picture to whom you are speaking will help you better visualize a conversation.

Tend to your environment. Create a space where you can truly concentrate during your conversation. Make sure yours is in an environment where not only can you focus but is also free of background distractions. Turn off devices that make noise such as the television or radio. Keep your space free of anyone entering or exiting from visitors to children to pets. Use a landline if at all possible for the best audio reception. If a landline is not possible, Stock reminds you to make certain your cell phone is charged.

It’s all in the voice. Without the benefit of utilizing your facial expressions or body language, your voice is your number one tool. Be aware of your volume, tone and inflection, and deliver your message with a smile! Just by smiling, you support a positive vocal delivery. And, because you might have a few nerves, keep a glass of water handy in case your mouth gets a little dry.

Even though your voice is your number one tool, it does not operate in isolation. In other words, do everything you can to support your voice by physically conducting yourself the same as you would if you were face-to-face with the interviewer. Sit up straight in a comfortable but professional manner. Do not slouch, recline or lie down. You should also dress professionally to ensure your entire being is in the proper mode. Your professionalism is better supported by a nice outfit than by your pajamas.

Utilize your space to your advantage. Have information from your research available in front of you. Make notes and a list of questions ahead of time, and keep them by you. Be sure your space is well organized prior to the call so you aren’t shuffling papers or distracted trying to find information on your computer. Spread notes out on a table and/or adhere them to a wall in front of you.

Use your manners. From the beginning to the end of the call, use your very best manners as you would in person. Greet your interviewer at the beginning beyond just answering “Hello?” “It’s nice to talk to you,” “Thank you for calling me,” or other general courtesies work well. Be sure to thank your interviewer at the end of the call, then follow up with a written thank you message which Stock suggests should happen within 48 hours of the interview. She adds that the follow-up message is also a good time to reinforce your interest in the position.

Preparing for a phone interview is much like doing so for an in-person meeting. Stock highlights what she calls the “three Cs” for this process that can be found within her suggestions. She starts with concision as a reminder that you don’t have as much time during this conversation as you likely would in person. She continues with concentration because there are definitely some preparations unique to a phone interview that require your attention. And, finally she includes courtesy not only because it’s just a nice way to be but also because this characteristic can set your candidacy apart from another’s who didn’t engage beyond simply answering questions.

While you might be anxious to get on-site and talk with your prospective employer, don’t be discouraged by this step! Phone interviews are not only very common, but they are taken just as seriously on the employer’s end as an in-person meeting. Utilize these strategies to bring out your professional best over the phone!

Stock, Judith. “6 Steps To Nailing A Job Interview … Over The Phone.” Forbes. Forbes.com LLC. 2016. Web. (17 March 2016)

Nancy Stoker is a Senior Client Services Representative and Research Associate with ExecSearches.com. ExecSearches provides various recruitment and executive search services for nonprofits including its nonprofit job board.

Last updated on April 4th, 2016 at 12:23 pm