Stand up, dress up, smile for phone interview

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Q. A human resources representative from a company where I'd really like to work called to schedule a telephone interview. I've never been interviewed over the phone before, and I'm nervous. I don't want to blow it, because I really want this job. Please help!

A. Stand up, dress up, look in the mirror occasionally, and smile, even if the interviewer can't see you! Although you might feel foolish at first, these steps - borrowed from sales and theatre - will help you present yourself well over the phone.

Employers use telephone interviews primarily to screen candidates out. The interviewer will use a preset list of questions to eliminate candidates. Only a few applicants will be invited to interview in person. The interviewer is listening for any gaffes or mismatch between the job requirements and the candidate. If there is no match on salary requirements, the interviewer doesn't need to contiunue much further. That's why many phone screenings begin with a discussion of salary. It's important to do your homework and find out in advance, if you can, the salary range for the position. Also, have an accurate assessment of your own value in the workplace and a sense of the going rate for this type of position. You can use websites such as www.salary.com or www.wageweb.com to gather this information.

When asked about your salary requirements, try to give as broad a range as possible. For example, answer something like "My salary requirements are in the $40s," rather than stating an exact figure. Or if you can, try to finesse the question with a question of your own: "What is the range for this position?" You might even answer with a statement such as, "I am aware of the range for this position, and I am comfortable with that range."

If the interviewer asks directly "What is or was your salary on your last job?," answer with the exact amount. If you're concerned your old salary is out-of-line with the new position, you can say something like, "Although my salary on my last job was X, I am certain that we can come to an agreement about salary later." Or, "My previous salary was X but that figure is not relevant, as this job is in a different industry or field with new salary expectations."

Be vigilant about what you say - about salary and other issues. Try to be brief in your answers - but not so brief that you create long uncomfortable silences. When nervous, some interviewees tend to talk too much. Sometimes job seekers even confuse the anonymity of the telephone with the confessional. Be careful about glib or off-the-cuff attempts at humor. What you can do is use props, such as written notes or even a script while you talk - and the interviewer will be none the wiser.

Set aside a quiet place for the interview, make sure that you won't be interrupted - by another call, the kids, pet, etc. Make sure you're dressed when the interviewer calls, not in pajamas or a bathrobe. It does make a difference! I suggest to my clients that they stand up while they are on the phone and even occasionally look in the mirror as they speak. That way, you can remind yourself to be animated, to modulate your voice to help convey your interest in the position. Your goal is to sound professional, upbeat, positive, and prepared.

At the end, don't forget to thank the interviewer for his or her time. Ask what the next step in the process is, and when you might expect to hear back from the company. Repeat your strong interest in the position, and what a good match you think the job is for your background and experience. Do remember to send a thank you note to the interviewer after a telephone screening, the same as you would after a face-to-face interview.

A. I'm not sure who is more obtuse - your boss or your co-worker. Both seem unable or unwilling to understand how your co-worker's behavior affects you. The bottom line for you - and it should be for your boss, too -is your ability to get your work done accurately and in a timely manner.

The ideal solution would be a nicer office, a quiet work environment, and a cordial relationship with your co-worker. You may not be able to have all three. It's up to you to prioritize, and then accept the perhaps less-than-perfect reality of your workplace.

As you seem to be extremely bothered by your co-worker's behavior, I suggest you reconsider moving to one of the two offices that were offered. Although neither is ideal, moving would get you away from your co-worker and allow you to do your job.

If your responsibilities do not include much telephone work, you might consider investing in noise-reduction earphones. Perhaps your employer would even reimburse you for the expense, as some of the better-quality ones are expensive. Or, if iPods are allowed, you might listen to music that wouldn't interfere with your work. Even if your co-worker persists in trying to engage you in conversation, you could point to the earphones, and mouth "I can't hear you," and continue working.

Try to focus on yourself in this situation, and find a solution that works best for you. If your co-worker's behavior persists, or if none of the above solutions work out, you may need to step up the intervention. You could try confronting your co-worker more directly than you have already, but I'm not sure that a confrontation would improve or worsen your situation. Instead, I encourage you to enlist the help of human resources to solve this problem. You can explain the situation to an employee relations specialist, if your agency has one. Perhaps he or she will schedule a meeting with all of the parties involved to help you come to a satisfactory arrangement.

It's inevitable that some personalities clash in any work setting. You and your co-worker may never be friends, but it's reasonable to strive for an accommodation that works for both of you and allows you both to be productive members of the team.

Roni F. Noland is a career counselor and coach with over 20 years of experience. She can be reached at rfnoland@comcast.net.

E-mail questions to jobdoc@globe.com or mail to Job Doc, Boston Globe, Box 55819, Boston, 02205-5819.