To ace a phone interview and get that follow-up sit down interview you have to be prepared.

Let's learn what it takes to ace a phone interview.

Do your Homework

Find out who you will be interviewing you prior to your phone interview. Write down the names of the people you will be speaking with so you can properly address them.

Learn any background information you can about the interviewer and the company by going online to their website. Being informed helps leave them with a good impression of you.

Get it Together

Get your thoughts together before the phone interview.

Write down a list of your qualifications, accomplishments and goals. You should even have a weakness written down in case you are asked for one.

Make sure you outline how you are working on your weakness, so you can explain that information along with your weakness if asked.

Practice Makes Perfect

Whether you do it on the phone or in person, an interview is an interview - and you need to be prepared. Practice answering typical interview questions with a friend or family member until you are comfortable answering them.

If you don't know typical interview questions you can find some online or ask your friends and relatives for some.

Test One, Two

Check your interview location thoroughly before your phone interview. Make sure the room is quiet and organized.

Have a paper and a pen ready in case you need to write anything down. Make sure you have a copy of your resume easily accessible. Check the phone you will be using by doing a test call with a friend or family member.

Make sure the audio is good on that phone. Additionally, have them answer some questions with you and rate you on your tone and clarity.

Interviewing

Make sure when you are interviewing that you have done everything possible to be prepared. Eliminate any audio and visual distractions so you can focus solely on the phone interview.

Make sure the people you live with are aware of your phone interview so they do not disturb you while it is still in progress. Make sure that you are polite, professional, enthusiastic and responsive to the questions and conversation.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online http://www.sixsigmaonline.org offers online six sigma training and certification classes for various six sigma professionals including, lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.