Telephone interviews are commonly used to whittle down the number of candidates.

Being good on the phone has become vital in many jobs as this is a way of assessing your telephone manner.

They can sometimes be done without the candidate knowing they’re being interviewed which can be dangerous. If you speak improperly to an employer over the phone you may miss out on the job before even getting an interview.

If a ‘withheld’ or ‘no number’ call comes through, assume that it’s an interview. Be polite and helpful.

Usually, however, you will be alerted to the fact that you are being interviewed. Keep calm and cool, have in front of you a copy of your CV and the job description and conduct the call somewhere quiet and distraction-free.

Specify a time that suits you
This gives you time to prepare, think about the questions that might be asked and how you would answer them. Be prepared at the specific time with your CV, a list of achievements, pen and pad for taking notes nearby. Allow yourself a bit of time before the call to relax and spend some time breathing deeply.

Use a landline
If you can, use a landline and avoid using your mobile. You don’t want to lose connection or run out of battery in the middle of an interview. Don’t use a speaker phone either.

Find a quiet room
Make sure you’re somewhere quiet where you won’t be disturbed. If you’re using a landline, make sure your mobile phone is on silent or turned off.

Be clear
Make sure you enunciate clearly, don’t speak too loudly or too quietly. When we’re nervous, we have a tendency to talk fast. Make a concerted effort to slow your speech. Your interviewer will appreciate your articulation and your brain will have more time to think about the right things to say.

Smile
When someone smiles when talking on the phone, you can hear it and so will your interviewer. It will also help you relax and feel more confident.
Mind your posture
Sit up straight in a quiet place with all your notes in front of you or lay your notes out on a desk or table and stand up while you talk.

Hydrate
Keep some water handy. You don’t want to keep the interviewer waiting if you get choked up or your mouth gets dry. Plus, “excuse me, I need to take a drink of water” is always an acceptable way to stall if you need a few extra seconds to think.

Talk with your hands
Use your hands when talking. Studies have shown that your brain can think of the exact words you want to use more easily when you allow your hands to move freely as you would in normal conversation.