Doing your homework for a phone interview can significantly enhance your employment chances in today's job market. Characteristically, the first phone call from the employer is to setup and coordinate an in-person interview. Or, the call could possibly be to arrange a more formal in-depth telephone conversation between you and the employer. As a rule, the a company's decision to conduct an in-depth phone interview with certain selected potential candidates, before having a face-to-face interview, is to establish which, if any, of the countless submitted applicants may be suitable for the position they are looking to fill.

Typically, the decision to conduct a formal phone interview is the result of a company wanting to make a "quick hire "and move forward with their pre-selected "best candidates". Upon completion of the phone interview screenings, the company will then schedule face-to-face interviews for a small group of finalists. For that reason, job seekers should always be ready for the both types of phone interviews: the predictable (which has been scheduled just like an in-person interview) and the surprise (which occurs with the first contact call.)

Good preparation for an interview by phone should include having your most accurate current resume within your reach (perhaps in a drawer by the phone), having well prepared notes (by taking information from your resume, adding any pertinent performance data, and preparing to answer difficult questions), as well as knowing and using proper phone interview protocol. Proper Phone Interview protocol includes:

Making sure you annotate the exact time of the phone interview and with whom you will be speaking. If possible, find out their position with the company (example: are they an outside recruiter, an inside human resources representative, or are they an employer within the firm?).

Changing your phone's answering tone. (Although you may have a preference in a certain type of music, it is best to go without during a job search).

Being prepared to answer the call as soon as you receive it -This means setting an interview time when you will be free from all distractions.

Smiling...Even though the interviewer can't see you, they can feel the smile in your voice.

Being professional and business- like when speaking during the interview - Answer all questions truthfully and avoid elaborating or getting "chatty". Stick with the two-three short sentence answer rule.

Staying alert, focused, and calm - Getting a good night's sleep before the interview can help with this.

Letting the interviewer speak and don't interject comments unless asked to do so. Don't interrupt the interviewer as they are asking questions.

Following your resume and notes as you talk about your work history or schooling-Make sure you are following the exact resume you sent to the employer.

Writing down important information for further review after the call, including when you might anticipate a scheduled in-person interview - Annotate your calendar for follow-up.

Not forgetting to thank the interviewer upon the completion of the interview.

C.A. Stapleton, A.S., B.S., M.B.A., is an experienced professional career consultant, mentor, and rsum/ biographical writer. Get more information @ http://www.vet2work.com or http://www.naturallysilver.com Copyright. All rights reserved Worldwide.