Phone interviews are the “first date” in the interviewing process.  It is your opportunity to set the tone and impact how the hiring manager views you throughout the process and beyond.  Making a good first impression is vital.  These 5 step are the basics of a successful phone interview.

1: Be in a quiet place, ready to interview at the scheduled time. 

Although elementary, more candidates miss out on good job opportunities for this one reason, than all others combined.  Be by the phone, ready to receive the call at the scheduled time.  No driving, barking dogs, or other distractions in the background. Treat this scheduled calendar meeting with the same level of respect the interviewer does.  

2: PRINT your resume and have it sitting in front of you during the interview. 

During a phone interview, the only information the interviewer has about you is the resume he or she was provided.  You can be certain the document is in their hands as they are speaking with you.  This one document will drive the majority of the conversation, you want to be sure you can reference it during the call.

3: Research the company and take a few notes.  During the phone interview, have the notes in front of you for reference.

To be clear, you are not expected to know everything about the company and the job prior to the conversation.  However, it is assumed and expected that you have spent at least 15 minutes looking into the position you are interviewing for.  Prior to the interview you should have a good feel for what the company does, and what you would be expected to do in the role.  Reference the company web site to learn a little bit about the company, and thoroughly read the job description you are interviewing for.  

4: Have a couple of questions ready.

If you executed on step 3 properly, you will naturally have a question or two about the company and position come to mind.  Write them down on a piece of paper, and have them ready for the interview.  This will show that you’ve done your homework, and you are taking the opportunity seriously.

5:  Be happy, excited, and enthusiastic... Smile

I’m relatively certain that you do not enjoy a conversation with a negative or down trodden person.  Rest assured, neither does a hiring manager. The simple act of smiling and a little enthusiasm about the position will come across in an interview.  People hire people they like, people like positive people. Show the positive side of your personality.