Phone interviews can save both a company and an applicant time and money. The company can conduct the phone interview from anywhere, and the applicant doesn't have to worry about traveling to a specific location. Phone interviews also allow the applicant to be relaxed in his or her own home and avoid having to get dressed up for a formal, in-person interview. Still, phone interviews require specific skills for the interviewer and applicant, considering you are communicating over a distance.

Prepare before the call
Anticipate how the phone interview is going to be conducted and prepare for it. Be sure to have both a copy of your resume and the job description if you are the applicant. As the applicant, you should create a list of your strengths that you want to emphasize during the interview, as well as information such as the names of previous supervisors. If you are conducting the interview, have a list of questions prepared. Have a copy of the applicant's resume in front of you and note any areas on the resume you would like to get further clarification about.

Speak clearly
To come across as professional and articulate, practice several communication skills you would use in a face-to-face interview while on the phone. Smile while you talk; it will help relax your muscles and help you communicate more clearly, according to worktree.com. Stand up while speaking on the phone, for this posture will allow a clear flow of air through your respiratory system and avoid slumping, which can contribute to mumbling, worktree.com says. Avoid eating or chewing gum while on the phone and speak directly into the phone's speaker instead of using a speakerphone. All of these steps make it easier for you to be understood over the phone, says worktree.com.

Provide details
Provide detailed answers when answering phone questions, but don't ramble. Refer to the notes that you prepared before the interview and answer the questions thoroughly using that information. Do not be afraid to repeat information to emphasize your accomplishments in a position or role. While providing information, avoid speaking about areas you do not have specific examples or notes prepared for. Speaking in these areas can result in rambling. To avoid this, include notes on weaknesses or areas needed for further development to refer to if asked.

Ask questions
As the job applicant, show your interest in the position by asking detailed questions. This will help the interviewer know you are interested in the position, considering you lose the ability to communicate non-verbally in a phone interview, according to job-application-and-interview-advice.com. If the interview is about to end without you having the opportunity to ask about something you want to know or highlight certain skills, ask the interviewer if you can tell him or her more about yourself or ask a couple of additional questions.