A job seeker I know had a phone interview with a committee this week. It was actually the second interview in the hiring process. The first was a screening interview, the second was with the hiring committee. She aced it and is going for a third in-person interview next week. As you can see, the company seriously considered the results of the phone interviews, so, when you get emailed or called to schedule a phone interview, it's important to prepare as carefully as you would for an in-person interview. Just because the interview takes place on the phone rather than in an office doesn't mean that it counts any less.

Also, take a look at what you can expect from the interviewer's perspective. Susan Heathfield, About.com's Guide to Human Resources, has information on telephone screening, what the interviewer is going to be looking for from you, and the type of questions you'll be asked.

By the way, you may want to consider using a landline for your phone interviews - I know a couple of people who have had dropped calls or static on the line, which disrupted the interview. If you have any doubt about your cell phone service, schedule your phone interview for a time when you can use a landline.

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