30 in 30: Nail Your Phone Interview

Phone interviews are often a critical first hurdle in landing an in-person interview. In rare cases, they can be the only interview you’ll get. Since you can’t read the various social cues of a face-to-face conversation, you have to rely solely on what you say and how you say it— use enthusiasm and intonation to sell yourself, and avoid gum chewing, smoking, or eating. Be prepared for the call, find a quite place where you feel comfortable chatting, and find a landline to avoid a cell-related snafu. Finally, take advantage of the best part of phone interviewing—no one can see you, so you can lay out all of your notes in front of you and nail all your talking points!

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