The interview is a good chance to find out what it would be like to work for your potential new employer. You might want to ask the interviewer about this, and the general atmosphere and culture of the company. Is it very formal, or are they more relaxed and friendly?

Alternatively, you could focus more on the position itself. If you are unsure of exactly what it will involve, then try asking about the duties involved and what a usual day of work will involve. You may also want to ask about any training that is offered and how the role might develop in the future. Are there likely paths of promotion or plans to add new aspects to the role?

There are a few more immediate questions that you may want to ask before you leave. It will usually be a good idea to ask when you should expect to hear from them. This will allow you to make plans for any follow up calls or letters, and it will give you a date after which you can move on to look for other opportunities if you have not received an offer.

Phone interviews need to be approached with the same attitude as normal interviews. This means that you need to prepare for them in exactly the same way. Plan out the main points that you want to say, particularly any examples of work you have done in the past that proves you can do the job you trying to get. As you will be talking over the phone you can keep a list of these points handy, but don’t be tempted to plan entire answers, as you will probably sound stilted when you read them out.

Make sure that you are ready when they call. If you have arranged a time for the phone call then you should prepare a quiet space and get rid of any distractions or background noise. Arrange for anyone who lives with you to be out of the way during the interview. If you are not sure exactly when they will call then make sure you are quick to answer the phone, do so in a professional manner- and make sure that anyone else who might answer the phone will do so politely.

Having a good phone manner will be important. Speak slowly and clearly, and be polite and professional. This will be especially important when you are applying for a job that will involve dealing with people over the phone as the interviewer will be assessing your ability to do so as well as learning more about you.

It can help to sit at a desk or dress as if this was a face-to-face interview. If you feel professional, you are likely to sound more professional too.

Phone interviews can be followed up with a letter or email to thank the interviewer and show them how keen you are to get the job.

Before you go to an interview, you should find out as much as you can about the job you are applying for and the company. Make sure you know the name and position of the person who will be interviewing you. Go through the list of requirements that they are asking for and work out how you can prove that you fulfill each of them, for example by giving examples from your previous work experience.

You also need to make sure that you arrive in time. Plan your route ahead of time, and if possible, test it out so you know how long it will take you to get there. Aim to arrive about ten minutes early on the day.

During the interview, try to be confident but not overconfident. Don’t act as if you already have the job, but make sure that you sell yourself. Your preparation should have given you a list of examples that show how well suited you are for the position. Now you can share them with the interviewer.

Make a good impression by behaving professionally. Be courteous and avoid saying anything bad about your previous employers. Try to be friendly and positive without being overly familiar. Your interviewer is potentially your new boss, so treat them as such.

Follow up with a letter after the interview to thank your interviewer personally. This is also an opportunity to add any points that you forgot to mention in the interview.