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:

Phone interviews provide a great opportunity for you to sell your skills and experience to a company.

1. Prepare for a phone interview by doing some preliminary research about the company so you can communicate knowledgeably.
2. Don't let an interviewer catch you off guard. Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or out loud to yourself.
3. Have some notes handy with questions you'd like to ask so you can sound organized and interested when the interviewer calls.
4. Try to arrange the call during a time you will be alone and won't have any interruptions.
5. If you are conducting the call from your present job, let the interviewer knows the circumstances up front.
6. Walk around while you talk. This will help your voice convey energy and you are apt to sound more enthusiastic.
7. Avoid eating, drinking (anything other than water) or chewing gum during the call, since this can make you sound muffled and less professional.
8. Have a glass of water handy in case your throat gets dry.
9. Keep your responses brief.
10. Express your sincere interest in the position.
11. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't have an answer to a question. It's better to admit that you don't know something than to fabricate a response. You can always offer to find out the answer.
12. Ask the interviewer what the next step will be and find out how to move forward in the interview process.
13. If all goes well, you should make it to the next stage where you can meet with the employer in person and you'll have another chance to convince the company that you are the perfect candidate for the position.