If it is a planned phone screen, be prepared. Have both your resume and the job description in front of you. Research the company's website and show your knowledge of their current clients or recent news. 

 

Whether the phone screen is impromptu or planned, remember why you are having this call. It is to make sure your talent and knowledge match what your resume reads. Be prepared to give examples of past work experience and match your skills to the job description. If you can provide solid examples that are aligned with what they are looking for, then you will be brought in for a face-to-face interview. 

 

During a phone screen there is no eye contact and your body language isn't conveyed. You must strive to communicate clearly and concisely. Be an active listener and ask follow up questions if you need clarification. Listen to the question and understand it before you begin to ramble. Keep your answers short and to the point. Warning: If you tend to respond too concisely, the interviewer may mistake this as disinterest for the position. Do not be afraid to ask the interviewer if you should expand on an answer you have given. Recall that this is all a part of phase one of the interview process, so steer clear of the nitty gritty questions (such as concerning the salary) unless it’s brought up by the interviewer. 

 

Paint the picture verbally. Use specific adjectives without getting too wordy. Your explanations should include concrete examples. These are great moments to think on your feet and show your creativity - a memorable quality that can set you apart from the rest. A relevant metaphor can be a fun way to tell a story or make a point.

 

When speaking on the a phone, try smiling! It can actually make your tone of voice more positive and upbeat. You need to show interest and enthusiasm over the phone since those are the only emotions they will hear. Generally, the more physically put together you are, the more verbally and mentally rounded you will sound. 

 

Have a professional voicemail. If you miss a call from a recruiter, you want to make sure you still sound like a qualified candidate. This can be just as much of a first impression as the phone screen itself. Remember the goal is to impress the interviewer and gain the second round interview - the face-to-face.

 

Don’t be hesitant to inquire about the next steps in the interview process. They will like your enthusiasm and self-confidence. Lastly, when ending the call, thank them for their time and ask what you need to do next. 

 

The dream job will not come to you so be proactive and persistent. The competition is tough so make it a point to give a strong and confident first impression!