If you've been following our blog posts over the past few months, you’ve read our friend Alice's recommended do’s and don’ts regarding cover letters and resumes.

With a polished resume and spot-on cover letter, we hope that you’ll soon be called for a phone screen interview in response to a job application.

As much as cover letters and resumes are important during the recruiting process, phone screen interviews are equally or even more important. A phone interview is the employer’s opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail, as well as to personally gauge how you present yourself. Alice has conducted hundreds of phone screen interviews with candidates and she has shared a whole host of phone interview do’s and don’ts.

• DO: answer the phone promptly at the established time for the interview.
• DO: if you are the one to initiate the call for the interview, call on time!
• DO: be prepared! Familiarize yourself with the company, its industry, and the job description or position advertisement.
• DO: review the company’s website if applicable. Have a few facts memorized or jotted down about the company and/or its services.
• DO: be confident.
• DO: if you are nervous, try to channel your nerves for the good and use them to your advantage.
• DO: be professional and polite.
• DO: speak clearly and loud enough to be heard.
• DO: BE HONEST.
• DO: conduct the interview from a quiet place without distractions.
• DO: make sure your phone is sufficiently charged and will last for the duration of the interview.
• DO: be as specific as possible with your answers if an example is requested either about accomplishments or a relevant scenario.
• DO: try to anticipate the questions you will be asked and have answers prepared, but try not to sound scripted.
• DO: take your time to think and come up with substantive answers. It is better to take some time to think and give a solid answer than to blurt out something irrelevant or ramble through an answer.
• DO: have some specific answers prepared in case you are given an opportunity to ask questions. This is part of the interview process and often the interviewer is gauging how you prepared for the interview. Use this opportunity to your advantage!
• DO: ask about office location, working hours, dress code, and benefits, but tread lightly so that it doesn’t appear that you are interviewing the company!

• DON’T: be overly friendly.
• DON’T: be overly talkative. This is your opportunity to discuss your qualifications and set yourself apart. But it is very important to remember that the interviewer is likely very busy, with a hectic schedule, and a lot of interviews lined up, as well as plenty of other tasks to complete. Respect their time and try to be brief but effective.
• DON’T: be distracted during your interview.
• DON’T: take the call while at your current job.
• DON’T: use personal examples to answer questions unless it is appropriate to do so.
• DON’T: blurt out the first answer that comes to mind unless it is appropriate. I recently asked a candidate for an example of her ability to multi-task. Here is the answer she provided, "I can drive, smoke a cigarette, talk on the phone, and put my make-up on all at the same time, ha!" I know this is an extreme example, but please take your time to make sure your answers add value and are relevant, suitable, and convey a professional image. 

The old adage, "You only get one chance to make a first impression" is never more applicable than during a phone screen interview! This is your opportunity to showcase your qualifications, your personality, and your fit for the position. You should be prepared, relaxed, and enthusiastic! Take the time that you need to offer relevant and appropriate answers.

If you haven’t yet, make sure you take a look at our previous posts: Job Seeking Advice 101: Resume Dos & Don'ts where Alice dishes out key pointers on how to set yourself apart in this competitive employment marketplace.

Good luck with your job search, we hope these do’s and don’ts help you land that perfect position!