Whether you’re the person who has the gift for gab or the still water that runs deep, a phone interview can seem intimidating. Here are a few of the best ways to ensure that you ace a phone interview every time:

Practice Makes Perfect

Before your phone interview, practice your phone skills with someone you know will give you honest feedback. Ask your “phone interviewer” to feed you common interview questions, then have them critique your answers. Your “interviewer” should also critique other factors that will contribute to your success, such as how articulate you are over the phone and how friendly and approachable you sound. Also ask for feedback about whether your connection is clear, and what background noises – traffic, pets or even air conditioners – were distracting.

Set the Stage

Prior to the phone interview, find the best seat in the house for a long, challenging conversation. Find a quiet room where you can be undisturbed and can sit at a desk or chair; avoid rooms where you might be distracted by noise, TVs or pets, and avoid interviewing from your bed or a beanbag — the more you can mimic the in-person interview, the more professional you’ll come across.  Prepare by collecting any information you may need, such as the job description, information about the company, and a copy of your resume.

Dress the Part

When you know no one can see you, it might be tempting to interview in your pajamas and bathrobe. Resist the temptation. Dress and groom yourself for a phone interview just as though it were an in-person interview, down to the shoes – it really puts you into the interview frame of mind. Use a speakerphone or headset so that you are not hampered by holding a phone to your ear and can speak naturally.

Be the Star of the Show

On a phone interview, it’s all about how you present yourself in words. The key is to engage your interviewer(s); address them by name, and whenever possible, don’t just answer questions. Ask questions about the job and the company, and reference the information you’ve gathered about the job and your pertinent experience.

Get a Coach

If you still don’t feel comfortable with phone interviews, get a coach! The staffing professionals at Staffing Partners are available to help you succeed in your job search by helping you put your best foot forward to the best employers. Contact our experienced recruiters at Staffing Partners today!