Phone Interview tips?

[krisim]

Hi Ladies,

I have a phone interview for a position in another state. My DH already has a job offer on the table but we haven't made a final decision on whether he will accept yet since his pay wouldn't be sufficient enough for us to move without me also having a job.

This job is one that I'm interested in, half of the focus of the position is in a field that I'm very knowledgeable about and want to continue working in, but the other half of the job is in an area that I haven't had much experience in since grad school, and I haven't really kept up on the trends in this field recently.  Plus this position is a step up from my current job. 

I've never done a phone interview and need some tips!   Any suggestions for preparation?

[crashgizmo]

My life has been a series of phone interviews- every company I've worked for has been based in another state, so they do them all the time.

My tips are:
Make sure you are in a quiet place with your notes in front of you.
If you have a landline, use it. Nothing worse than a cell phone dropping a call.
Smile while you are talking, people can hear it.
Get dressed as you would for an interview. Maybe not a suit, but better than your yoga pants.

[v]

It is really easy to interrupt people on the phone, because you get no visual cues that they're done talking. So allow pauses to make sure the interviewer is done speaking before you speak.

Notes are good, but have them printed out. Stay away from the computer -- you'll sound distracted if you're scrolling around or typing, and you could get distracted by other stuff going on on your computer.

[konapoppy]

In addition to the other tips, I would do some quick research on what is going on in the area you haven't had as much experience in. If possible, be prepared to share other experiences you have had that will support your competence in that area (even if it is just your learning orientation).

[woodiedog]

Put a mirror in front of you. It will help remind you to smile and sit up straight.

[krisim]

Great tips! Thanks!

[AAM2012]

I have nothing else to add as others have covered it but just wanted to say good luck krisim

[Deleted]

Listen carefully. Be sure you're answering the question asked. I'm surprised how often people struggle with this.

If asked to give an overview of positions, be concise. People I interview tend to ramble with that.