If you are an employer with a job opening to fill, phone interviews are a good way to screen potential employees without investing too much time or money in the process. At the same time, phone interviews give applicants a chance to set themselves apart from the competition and pique an employer's interest. No matters which side of the phone you are on, here are some tips to make the most of the interview process:

1. Use phone interviews as a way to quickly assess a pool of candidates and identify those people you want to pursue further.
2. Prepare before you make the call. Review the applicant's resume and know the position you are looking to fill.
3. Come up with a list of questions you want to ask and key points about the job that you want to convey so you can keep the call moving along.
4. Try to avoid any dead spots, as these can make you look less professional and can break the flow of the call, making it more difficult to get back on track.
5. Have the applicant's resume in front of you to clarify information and to refer to his or her experience as needed.
6. Communicate clearly about the position and what it will entail.
7. Assess the applicant's skills and work experience over the phone and get a feel for how these will translate into your work environment.
8. Find out how serious the applicant is in securing the position so you know if it is worth proceeding to a future interview.
9. Follow your instincts. If the interview goes well, be ready to follow up by arranging your next meeting.
10. Clearly explain your hiring process and what the applicant can expect.
11. If you want to talk to the applicant further, consider inviting him or her in to meet with you in person next.