Contributed by LiveCareer It’s easy to underestimate the importance of an initial phone interview/screen, but having polished telephone interview skills can make or break your job search. These initial screenings are designed to efficiently eliminate candidates from the larger pool. One wrong or tripped-up answer could mean the end for you! So then—how do you move past the first-round call? Timing Is Everything If you’re someone who isn’t fully awake until after that second cup of coffee, don’t accept an early morning interview. The same goes for accepting an afternoon interview if you’re prone to a post-lunch slump. In a telephone interview, your voice and demeanor are as much a part of your interviewing skills as being able to succinctly describe your experience, so you’re best to choose a time when your mind is firing on all cylinders. Typically, recruiters will offer you a couple of different days and times for an interview. Choose one during your peak personality … [Read more...] about Don’t Dial It In: 7 Tips for Honing Your Telephone Interview Skills