Phone Interview Tips

The ever popular phone interview is, in my opinion, the easiest interview ever. While it can be a bit awkward because you aren't looking at the person and so miss physical cues, it is still an easy thing to master. Why do I say phone interviews are easy? Well, for those people who are shy, this is the time where you don't have to worry about making eye contact or smiling since the person cannot see you. Truthfully, the list can go on forever, but just take my word for it that phone interviews are much easier than in- person interviews. I'll be listing tips to ensure you smash your phone interview and make the right impression since many times these are usually the first time the company gets to deal with you on a personal level, usually the first step before they bring you in for an in-person interview.

1. Have your laptop open.
This may sound basic but this is something you should definitely have open and ready to use. A lot of companies want to hear what you know about them so having the website open and being able to look to it for information is key.
2. Have your resume either open on your laptop or physically in front of you.
Almost every interviewer asks you to walk them through your resume or your work history so having your resume open is useful. You can choose to go from present to past or past to present but walking through each piece is important. They want to hear you articulate what your resume states and further elaborate on the places you were at.
3. Take the call in a quiet and private space.
This phone call is not a social one so you shouldn't treat it as one. This is a professional call with someone who is interested in hiring you. Show them you are professional by being in a quiet space. Nothing screams unprofessional like hearing screaming children, your roommate asking about the party next week, or your television going on in the background.
4. Speak clearly and eloquently. 
There are no physical cues and the person can't see you so make sure to speak loud enough for them to hear you and clear enough for them to not miss what you are saying. The pressure is a lot less than a physical interview because you don't have to worry about eye contact, if you are fiddling with your hands or not, and so on. Take advantage of the fact that the person can't see you and allow yourself to pace or whatever you need to do to come across confident and knowledgeable.
5. Ask questions.
Just like an in-person interview, asking questions is a great thing. Ask about a campaign the company worked on, what the person person interviewing you deems is the ideal candidate to fill the position you are interviewing for, or why the interviewer is with the company. These questions give you insight into the company and the interviewer.