Be Prepared

• Have a copy of your résumé, transcript, and the job description in front of you during the interview.

• Keep a log of the companies and titles of jobs you applied for.  This will help you be better prepared if you are called unexpectedly.  Have at least one substantive question ready for each company to which you have applied.

• Prepare a 30 second "commercial" to sell yourself to the company and practice, practice, practice.  This could be the answer to "Tell me why we should hire you," "Tell me about yourself," or "How have you been preparing yourself for this job?"  Record your commercial and listen to what an interviewer will hear.  Do this several times to get comfortable with what you are saying.

Be Professional

• Record a professional message for your voice mail.

• Have a "canned" response ready for a recruiter if you're caught off guard.  That could be something like.  "I was actually on my way out the door for class, but I'm very interested in talking with you about this position.  May I arrange a time to call you back this afternoon?"  This gives you the opportunity to review the job description and other reference materials, and be prepared with some questions.

• Turn off music or the TV during the interview.

• Don't eat drink or chew gum during the interview.

• Don't type on your computer during the interview.

• Don't put an interviewer on hold to take call waiting.

• Treat the phone interview just as you would an in-person interview.  Dress professionally and smile-these make a noticeable difference in both your mindset and your presentation.

Be Personable

• Be enthusiastic-show interest in the position and the organization.

• Ask pertinent questions about the job and company.  This is not the time to discuss salary, benefits, and/or hours.

• Talk slowly and show self-confidence.

• Think before you speak.

• Remember the interviewer cannot see your body language or gestures.  Your voice inflection and the words you say are all he or she has to go on.  A smile on your face comes through in your voice and will reflect enthusiasm.

• Thank the interviewer for his or her time.