A: Hello Jobseeker, It is important to remember that a resume attracts attention to you. An in-person interview allows the company to see if they like you. Between those two events, recruiters need to make sure you are qualified and do not have any red flags. Recruiters use phone screens (interviews) to focus on those two concerns.
Here are keys to successful a phone interview.

? Give accurate contact information in your cover letter so recruiters can easily contact you.
? Create a professional answering machine message, and ensure household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.
? Be prepared for an unexpected phone screen by keeping records close by. Include the job ad, company research, your questions and any material you sent the company.
? During the phone screen be in a place where you can talk freely, read and take notes, and concentrate with minimal background noise. Ensure you can hear and be heard clearly. Use a landline if possible.
? If the phone call/screen is at an unexpected time, ask the interviewer if you can call back at a better time where you can speak in a private place.
? Do not multitask during the interview.
? Consider standing, and feel free to use hand gestures even though you are on the phone—you will sound more professional and natural.
? If the phone call is scheduled, consider dressing nicely. You will project a more professional image even though you will not be seen.
? After you respond to the interviewer there may be silence before his or her next question. Feel free to ask a question of your own related to your last response.
? If possible, practice a mock phone interview.
? You will be asked to show you have the skills to accomplish the open position. Be prepared to give organized, rehearsed examples of how you performed these skills at work in the past to prove your skill set.
? Be ready for questions about frequent job changes or big gaps in work.
? Do not panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.
? If you sneeze or cough, say "excuse me."
? Don't chew gum or food, or drink anything noisy.
? Create a strong finish with thoughtful questions about the company and position. Ask for a decision-making timeline and about the next step in the hiring process.

The most important thing to do on an any interview is relax and be confident. This applies to phone interviews as much as in-person ones.
And don’t forget a key component of a successful interview (even for a phone interview) a thank you note.
Good Luck and Happy Job Hunting!

Send your job questions to jobs@bangordailynews.net
See you at the Job Fair on Wednesday, April 16th.