Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants¹ who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.

雇主们将电话面试作为一种鉴别和招聘员工的方式。电话面试往往用于筛选应聘者从而缩减当面面试的人数。电话面试还可以帮助将外地应聘者的找工成本降到最低。

While you're actively² job searching, it's important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment's notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk.

当你主动求职时，重要的一点是做好电话面试的准备。你不知道雇主或联系人会在什么时候打电话要求进行几分钟的谈话。

Be Prepared to Interview 做好面试准备

Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical interview questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

如同准备常规面试一样准备电话面试。准备一张表，列出你的长处和弱点，以及一些典型面试问题的答案。此外，准备在电话中谈论你的背景和技能。

* Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it's at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.

将简历放在容易找到的地方，比如桌上或将它贴在电话边的墙上，这样当你在回答问题时，简历就近在咫尺。

* Have a short list of your accomplishments³ available to review.

回顾一下自己的成绩

* Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.

准备好笔和纸做笔记

* Turn call-waiting off so your call isn't interrupted.

将呼叫等待关闭，这样通话就不会被打断

* If the time isn't convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.

如果时间不方便，问问是否能择时再通话或者建议其它选择

* Clear the room - evict⁴ the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.

“清理”房间——将孩子和宠物“赶”出去。关掉电视、立体声。关上门

* Unless you're sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, consider using a landline rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.

除非能确定手机服务通畅，否则就考虑用固定电话，以免出现通话中断或杂音。