Phone interviews were a little tough for me, but I found my secret is to keep them on pace. I feel it is important to take a breath before you start an answer. Also, I will repeat the question to clarify, and give myself time to react. It is important that once you answer a question (STOP). Many people just keep clammering for a better answer or to clarify, stop, the answer is the answer. Keep your answers concise, and keep your mind clear for the next question or statement. Good Luck...

Hi Amelia,

In today's busy world more often than not companies are Skyping and having interviews held over the phone, and you're right they are definitely a lot different than in person! I personally prefer phone interviews first because I can be in the comfort of my home without the stresses of worrying about traveling and other factors.

I can understand why you might feel "awkward" and even a little nervous. The good news is that phone interviews (when they go well) are followed up with in person interviews which gives you the chance to show your smiling face and shake hands with your interviewer(s). You can (as you mentioned) show your character, but you can also do so over the phone.

For future phone interviews I suggest the following tips!

***NAIL THE GREETING The beginning of the conversation sets the tone for the entire interview. In fact, many people will say that the outcome of the interview actually hinges on the first 15 seconds. Have your opening lines on autopilot by the time you pick up the phone, using them to simultaneously confirm the interview and to move the conversation forward.Picking up the phone with a simple “Hello???” is often the worst way to go. The interviewer has to ascertain whether you’re really you, and then figure out how to segue into the interview, which can quickly turn awkward.

Instead, make good use of your opening lines:

“Hello, this is [you].” “Hi [you], this is [interviewer] calling from [company].” “Hi [interviewer]. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.”

You have now efficiently confirmed that yes, this is the target interviewee speaking, yes, you remembered the interview time, and no, you aren’t driving on the freeway. The interviewer will take it from there. While you may be skeptical that the first 15 seconds will actually make or break the entire interview, starting off on the right foot can at the very least have a positive effect on the flow of the rest of the conversation.

***HIT A POWER POSE Hormones have a significant impact on your confidence. Body language is a physical cue that informs the level of certain hormones. For instance, adopting a “high power” position, or one that is open and relaxed, can actually increase testosterone, decrease cortisol, and magically make you feel more confident and less stressed.I like to couple a few pre-interview power poses with some good ol’ box breathing, which is another technique that relieves stress through regulating the autonomic nervous system, effectively combating the fight-or-flight response.

To box breathe, inhale for four seconds, pause for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, pause for four seconds, and then repeat the cycle. A few solid box breaths really will prepare you to think clearly and speak calmly and confidently.

***USE VERBAL CUES One way to overcome a dearth of nonverbal communication on the phone is to use strong, recognizable verbal cues. When you’re in the midst of crushing interview questions, you’ll usually be speaking for a longer span of time.Make it easy for the interviewer to jump back in when you’ve finished your response. Instead of trailing off with a “…so yeah…” make it clear that you’ve finished responding to that particular question. Something clear and authoritative will do the trick: “That was how I resolved Problem X.” As you get further into the interview, the conversation will hopefully flow along naturally, but it never hurts to be clear and concise with your language and verbal cues.

***GET ON THE PHONE MORE OFTEN I’ve found that an effective way to prepare for a phone interview is to simply get on the phone more often in the days leading up to it. Try picking up the phone instead of resolving something over email. Call your friends to negotiate or debate something. Better yet, find reasons to talk on the phone to people you don’t know as well. Log phone banter minutes whenever you can.

Rock that next phone interview Amelia!