Several companies that hire employees to work at home conduct job interviews. Prospective employees for home jobs are usually called at home for a phone interview. If the company that you’ve applied for contacts you for a phone interview, there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure your interview runs as smoothly as possible.

Silence is Golden

The interviewer wants to hear you –and only you– during your conversation. For this reason, it’s important that you turn off all stereos and televisions. If you plan to sit in the kitchen, make sure the dish washer isn’t running during your phone interview. Also, it’s of utmost importance to keep your kiddos quiet while you’re on your phone interview. Preschool kids and older can safely watch a video in another room while you’re on the phone. For younger children, try to schedule your interview during the child’s nap time to ensure peace and quiet.

Know Yourself

Have a copy of your resume –or at the very least, a handwritten list of your previous employment and education– in front of you. If your interviewer asks you a question, it will help if you have your employment and education history in front of you. Sometimes, people being interviewed get flustered and find it hard to recall dates and duties, and having it in front of you in black and white will help.

Be Alert and Well-Rested

Even though your interviewer can’t see you, exhaustion can take a toll on your interview. Exhaustion affects your memory and mood, among other things. For best results, get to bed early the night before your interview. If you have an infant who doesn’t sleep through the night yet, be wise and don’t schedule your phone interview for 8AM. Instead, schedule during the day, after you’ve been able to get a power nap.

Be Prepared

Just as with an interview done in person, you should be prepared for your phone interview. For several days in advance, prepare for how you will answer common questions. Decide what questions –if any– you will ask the interviewer about this work at home job. For a few tips about preparing for your test, you can read this FREE book excerpt called, “Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the Questions that Will Get You The Job.”