I came across this article a few days ago after hours of reshaping my resúmé. As I start my internship search, it’s nice to know which professions have the most potential growth. However, there is nothing like playing the game to understand what it is all about. Last year was my first attempt up to bat. My first pitch – a phone interview? As if a regular interview didn’t have me on edge enough, let’s through in a twist to make things a little more amusing!  How was I supposed to “woo” my first employer if they couldn’t see my smiling face ? Even me, the cell phone addict, didn’t know how to deal with this one on my own. So, we brought out the big armory: CP&R. Some advice on phone interviews:

1)   Dress your best. I was informed that PJs were not acceptable during a phone interview. It’s true that your employer may not see you, but there is something powerful about rocking the suit that just radiates confidence even over the phone.

2)   Find a silent, secluded place to take your phone call. I reserved a room in CP&R which worked out marvelously. Landlines are significantly more reliable than cell phones, so I suggest finding a place with a functioning landline and reserving it.

3)   Practice speaking into a phone to get used to your voice inflections. Try recording your voice to make sure you don’t sound too enthusiastic or too senile. It’s a fine line my friend.

4)   Research, research, research. I know you have heard it before time and time again. Besides knowing the ins-and-outs of the firm and your place in all the chaos, take the extra step to find out some specifics about your interviewer (name, position, background). You never know when your mutual love for goat cheese wins you a place at the table.

5)   Continue to smile when you are performing your phone interview. This little lesson I learned from my job at the Scripps Phonathon. You would not believe the difference it makes when you smile while speaking rather than remaining expressionless. Smile and you will be able to tell if your interviewer is smiling back at you.

6)   Bring notes. Resúmé, research, laptop. Whatever you want. Using your resources is a skill, so take advantage of it.

7)   Be confident! Just because your employer isn’t sitting right in front of you doesn’t mean you can’t work your magic!

So I went in with my research, my laptop and my energy ready to conquer. I could feel my legs shaking furiously in my heels under the table, and I jumped every time I heard the slightest noise. Finally, it happened. THE PHONE RANG. I lifted the phone to hear a friendly voice on the other end ready to fire questions my direction. My heart was palpitating faster than when I go on the occasional run. The conversation started out cordial with my background and interests. I was so proud of myself as I name-dropped a potential co-worker’s name and a few papers he had written. Yes, I DID MY RESEARCH. I went on and on about a fabulous paper he had written just this year until I heard a little cough on the other end of the line: “Just so you know, you would not be working for that department,” she said. Immediately my heart sank. I knew that I would not be working for that department, but she didn’t. The rest of the interview went off smoothly as we discussed my experience within the job market, but something told me that I was off. As expected, weeks later I got a “thanks but no thanks” email.

I can’t lie. I was devastated. I immediately sent her a follow-up email asking what I could improve on in the future. I hate to admit it, but after not receiving a response, I emailed again to get an answer. I eventually received an email back telling me that I was one of the top candidates, but they found someone else who had goals that were better suited for the position. OY VEY. It was just as I had suspected. I did my research, but not the right type of research. It is extremely important to be aware of your position within the company and cater your interests to what they are looking for. I knew my stuff, but it just wasn’t the right stuff to know. Simultaneously, make sure that the position you are seeking is what you are looking for.