Whenever you go to a job interview, you have a list of to-dos as well as don’t do tips for interviewing.  However, often, because an interviewee is not dressed up and sitting in front of a potential employer, they forget to maintain the basics of the interviewing procedure.  Sitting in a comfy pair of jeans with your feet up on desk or the distractions of children running through the room chasing the family dog, interviewing etiquette can slip easily into the background.

In addition to the normal interviewing tips for good interviewing etiquette, there are some specific phone interview tips such as:

• Resume vision:  Keep a clean copy of your resume on your desk or somewhere close where you can review it.  Take a few minutes before you interview to make some notes around each accomplishment that you would like to point out to the person interviewing you.  Go through the job description and mark qualities in your resume that address the needs of the employer.  Using a highlighter to note key points can save you stumbling time during the interview and give you a checklist for selling yourself in the best possible light. 
• Stay Clear:  If you usually chew gum, gnaw on the end of a pen while you talk, or smoke to keep from being nervous, skip it while you are on the phone interview.  Move your hands away from your mouth (if you usually lean on your hand while talking) and sit up straight.  When you project your voice and speak clearly into the phone, the interviewer perceives confidence and strong leadership.
• Clean the Room:  When interviewing for a job on the phone, find a peaceful, relaxing place to proceed with the interview.  Phone ringing, kids running through the house, the television playing, and the dog barking all give a very unprofessional impression to the interviewer.  By stepping away from your everyday life and immersing yourself in a life clutter free environment, you are able to focus on getting the job.
• Write it Down:  At all points in the conversation, be prepared to jot notes as the interviewer speaks.  If you are asked a question, then a few quick notes on the highpoints of the question to keep you on track when you answer and makes sure that the interviewer receives accurate information.  Plus, a great interview trick is to repeat their question so they know you were listening.
• Don’t go Cellular:  Resist the urge to do a phone interview on your cell phone.  Sometimes, if you are interviewing while traveling or at a current job, then you think that you can easily talk on your cell for a few minutes.  But, don’t consider it a few minutes of chatting with a friend.  This should be just like a formal interview.  Cell phones service can be very spotty and we usually multi-task while using a cell phone. 
• Stay Wet and Calm:  Keep a bottle of water close to you so you wet your lips while you speak.  When your throat gets dry, you tend to talk faster and clear your throat more often.  Keeping a bottle of water close will help you maintain calm and level conversation with your interviewer.
• Pleasantries Please:  Always use a title (Mr., Ms) until you are told by the interviewer to call them by their first name.  Even afterward, remember that this is not your friend.  This person is looking for indications that you meet the qualifications of the job and will be a good employee.  Shoe respect at all times.

There is a certain formality in the interviewing process even over the phone.  A good trick is to dress the part.  Although it may seem silly to dress up for a phone interview as you would dress for a regular interview, it keeps your mind on track and keeps you focused on the goal of professional presentation of yourself to the interviewer!