Phone interviews are not that different from face-to-face interviews. You still need to organize and rehearse your answers. You still need to come with your A-game (no interviewing in PJs!) and you still need to stay calm. However, phone interviews can pose some unique challenges – and rewards.

Body Movement: In Part I, we talked about the importance of “acting as if,” just as if you were being interviewed in someone’s office: get dressed up, have your paperwork in front of you, etc. One of the things we also mentioned was to avoid fidgeting. If you’re nervous, use the raw energy. (This is one advantage over an in-person interview.) As long as you’re not frantically pacing from nerves (which can make you sound out of breath and thus, out of control), it’s all right and encouraged to stand up when you are talking. If you don’t want to feel confined, try a headset or hands-free device.

Be Clear: One of the down sides to a phone interview is that the interviewer cannot see you. That means he or she can’t see your confident body language. The only thing he or she has to go on is your voice and the quality of your answers. Careful with jokes or remarks that may be misinterpreted.

No Food: Just because you’re on a phone interview doesn’t mean that you get to chow down. You wouldn’t nibble on a sandwich or chew gum during a face-to-face interview, so steer clear of it even if you can’t be seen. If you know you’re going to be hungry or if the interview is scheduled during lunchtime, make sure that you’ve eaten before the interview.

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By Marissa Cohen