With the economic crises and many people having no jobs, there is a glut of workers applying for the few jobs available. Employers are already having many good quality candidates apply but can not offer everyone a physical interview. Thus, many employers are now going through the phone interview to screen and select candidates for the final interview.

Phone interviews are also scheduled when someone is out of state. However, a phone interview is just as important as a regular interview and one does need to be prepared. Always have your CV in front of you so that you can remember what you had written on it. Keep a pen and paper handy as you may need to write down names or phone numbers.

Makes sure the radio and the TV are off in the background. Have silence in the room. Unless you are out of the home, a cell phone is not recommended for a phone interview. These darn devices always run out of power at important times, there is static and many times the voices fade. So use a landline.

Be professional on the phone; just because you can’t see the other person does not mean that you do not have to act professional. Do not drink or eat during the phone call, speak slowly and try not to interrupt the person calling you. The most important thing about a phone interview is to listen and give short precise answers.