Prepare a place to do the interview. That means somewhere quiet, where you can concentrate and talk without interruption.

Practice your answers, especially giving the reason for leaving your last job and why you want to work for this company. These are staple questions in almost any first interview, so you should be ready for them.

Use a landline phone, ideally a corded one. The sound is much clearer and you avoid the delays that can happen on mobile phones, especially on international calls.

Secure your environment – ensure children or pets are out of earshot so their noise won't distract you.

Sit in a comfortable chair. Sitting up will enhance the sound of your voice.

If you’re using your landline for the call, switch off your mobile during the interview.

Get yourself a glass of water - you'll be talking a lot!

Take advantage of the fact that the interviewer can’t see you: print out your CV, the job spec and any information about the company that might be useful. Highlight the accomplishments on your CV that you want to talk about.

Bear in mind that the interviewer may have allotted a certain amount of time for each phone interview and is probably on a schedule. Since you can’t pick up on visual cues from the interviewer, it can be difficult to know when you’ve given enough detail on your answer. So when you’re asked a question, get to the answer directly, and then take some time to expand on the answer. If you think it may be time to move on, ask the interviewer a question like “is that enough detail?”, “do you need any more detail on that?”. Find the wording that feels comfortable to you. It gives the interviewer the opportunity to move on if it’s appropriate.

Smile. Interviewers will hear it over the phone.

You cannot rely on body language to help with making your points, so you need to ensure that your words have as much weight as possible. Talk clearly and concisely. Make every word count.