The telephone interview is the most common and practical way to perform an initial screening interview. This helps the interviewer and the candidate get a general sense about the company and about the candidate they are screening. The interviewer will realize if they are interested in pursuing a discussion beyond the first interview. This type of interviewing also saves time and money. They may be tape recorded for the review of other interviewers. The goal, for the candidate during the phone interview, is to arrange a face to face meeting.
A telephone interview is usually viewed as one of the easiest interviews to go through. One key to a successful interview is to make sure you are properly scheduled for the interview. If the interview is scheduled for 11am, be ready by 1045am. Make sure there will not be any distractions. Just have a normal, professional conversation and you will do just fine.