Interview questions are tough—the phone interview makes them tougher.

In some cases, telephone interviews are a way for employers to pre-screen possible job candidates before they’re granted an in-person interview. In other cases, employers will conduct the full interview over the phone. Whether you’re required to go through a pre-screening or have already been given the interview, you must be more prepared than you would be for an in-person interview, even if you are allowed to interview in your PJs. Below are some telephone interview tips to keep in mind so your next phone interview is a success.

1. Use a landline. You don’t want to risk having problems with cell phone service. It’s irritating for employers to conduct interviews if the call breaks up frequently or is dropped completely. If you don’t have a landline at home, just make sure you are in an area with as much cell phone service as possible. Do what you can so the process runs as smoothly as possible.

2. Keep your materials handy. In fact, lay everything out in front of you. This includes your resume, notes about your career objective (even if it isn’t included in your original cover letter it’s a good idea to have this out depending on the questions the interviewer will ask you), a pen and pad of paper for note taking, and anything else you think may be helpful during your interview. Because you won’t have to schlep into an office, you can have anything out in front of you to aid with your success.

3. Steer clear of distractions. Find a quiet place to interview and stay there. There shouldn’t be any noise in the background to distract you or your potential employer. However, it’s understandable that this can be tricky if you have young children at home who need your attention. When you set up your interview appointment, try to schedule it for as precise a time or window as possible. That way, you’re able to avoid possible distractions. For example, your phone interview schedule your interview between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and then make sure that no one has company over during that time, and that the kids are fed and occupied or that a sitter will watch them, if need be.

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