Many graduate recruiters interview over the phone. The purpose is often to check out whether you are a serious applicant – to make sure you haven’t just been firing off random e-mails to every graduate recruiter. Expect questions such as ‘Why did you choose this career and this company?’ and ‘What do you have to offer?’ The telephone interview is a tool for the recruiter to decide whether or not to take you further through the application process, so you have to try to show your enthusiasm and commitment in a short conversation.

The great thing about phone interviews is that they are quicker, cheaper and more convenient for both you and the interviewer than arranging a preliminary meeting face-to-face. Telephone skills may also be an important part of the position you have applied for and if the job you’re applying for relies as much on personality as on qualifications and experience, the recruiter will be particularly interested in how you come across. However, phone interviews can be difficult because neither party can see the other, so the usual visual clues are absent.

Research and plan your phone interview

Be prepared. It's normal to be nervous before a telephone interview, but it will really help if you know you've done the groundwork. Make sure you find out as much as you can about the recruiter. Check out its competitors too and try to get a feel for the market it is operating in. Read the job description carefully and think about how you match the selection criteria. Write down any questions you might like to ask, as well as planning answers to those questions you think are likely to come up – especially questions such as ‘Tell me about yourself’ and ‘What interests you in the job?’.

Practise before the interview

Practice makes perfect. Any experience you have of using the phone in a professional context will help, for example a temporary telesales job, research during work experience or voluntary fundraising. If you feel you need more experience to build your confidence, ask a friend, a relative or someone at your careers service to help. They’ll be able to give you feedback on how you come across by phone. You could also record yourself so that you can listen back and identify any problems, such as speaking too quietly or quickly.

Control your environment

Turn off the telly, let your housemates know what's going on and ask them to leave the room and give you some peace and quiet. Some people like to dress formally, as if you feel professional you're more likely to sound professional. Only use speakerphone if you're sure there will be no interruptions. Don't slouch on the couch; sit up straight, as it will help you feel and sound more confident and alert. You might want to sit next to a table or desk with your notes and a pen and paper to hand.

Stay calm

Before you dial, take a couple of deep breaths... and smile! It will show in your voice. You'll forget about your nerves once you're focused on the interview. Speak clearly and at a reasonable pace. If you’re asked a tricky question, take time to think – you can always say something like, 'Let me just reflect on that for a moment,' to buy time. Pauses are OK, just as in any interview. If you couldn't hear or didn't understand a question, it's fine to ask for clarification.

Be professional

If you are receiving the call, answer the phone professionally: 'Good morning, Joe Bloggs speaking' should do the trick. Address your interviewer as Miss, Mrs or Mr unless invited to use his or her first name.

Be animated and enthusiastic, but polite. Don't be overfamiliar and don't start chatting as if you were talking to a friend. Remember to listen carefully and try to be succinct. 

Remember this is only the preliminary round

Do ask questions at the end, but this is not the time for a discussion about salary, training and start dates. If you progress to the next stage, you will have a chance to assess the company in more depth.

Take notes

If you can, jot down notes during the interview, or write down what you can remember about the questions and your answers immediately afterwards, while it's still fresh. It will be a useful record to refer to when you go through to the next stage.

More advice to help you with graduate interviews

• Eight steps to graduate interview success
• Selection methods used by graduate recruiters: at a glance
• Competence based interviews for graduate jobs
• Panel interviews: how to deal with more than one interviewer
• Tips for technical interviews
• Honesty is the best policy: how recruiters can read between the lines
• Typical interview questions to help you prepare
• How to perfect your personal pitch
• What to wear for graduate interviews
• Practical preparation: get to your interview on time
• Dealing with graduate job interview nerves
• Body language tips to help you be successful in interviews
• Making a good first impression: handshake, smile, eye contact
• Perfecting your personal pitch to recruiters
• Confidence boosting tips for interviews
• Tips to help you research employers for applications and interviews
• Advice to help you prepare for graduate assessment centres
• Information to help you with psychometric tests
• Search graduate jobs, employers and work experience