Phone interviews can be challenging for many reasons. One thing we hear time and again at Atrium is that it’s hard to make the same impression over the phone that one might be able to make in person. Our staffing consultants have offered 5 great tips on how to ace your next phone interview and make a lasting impression on a potential employer. Remember, a phone interview is your ONE shot at getting to prove that you are worth meeting in person.

1. One of the best things we can recommend (and you’ll notice people in sales do it as well) is to stand up and move about while you are speaking.  This keeps you more alert, gives you the ability to “think on your feet,” (literally!) and you will 100% sound more alive and anxious to answer questions than if you are lounging on the couch.

2. Make sure to count to 2 before answering any question. Not only will this give you time to quickly glance over your resume or notes and compose your thoughts but it almost guarantees you won’t interrupt, or speak over, the interviewer.

3. Speak clearly and don’t rush. Be sure to articulate your strengths and be thorough when talking about your past positions and projects.

4.“Smile through the phone” – Use your voice to express yourself since the interviewer cannot see you. From your voice the interviewer can gauge attentiveness and even your energy level.

5. Keep your resume right in front of you. That’s the beauty of a phone screen, you can look down at it all you want! Just DON’T read it word for word.

Best of luck!