Since 9/11, employers are doing more first interviews in nontraditional ways. A potential employer may want to do a preliminary interview on the phone. Or, the employer may choose an electronic face-to-face via videoconferencing. Here are tips for acing those interviews.

Are You a Good Communicator?
The telephone became an interview tool in the early 1990s-and employers continue to screen job candidates this way because it costs less and it is less time consuming-phone interviews average 30 minutes versus an hour or more for a face-to-face interview.

A telephone interview can be like an open-book test. You may have the answers in front of you (see #2 below), but you need to know the material thoroughly to do well on the test-or in this case, in the interview.

Employers hope to catch you unprepared in order to see if you can think on your feet and if you have superior communication skills. So, if you're prepared for the call, you'll ace the test.

Here are some tips from NACE career counselor members on preparing for a successful telephone interview.

Do these things ahead of time:

1. Turn off distractions. Have your phone in a quiet room-away from radio, television, family, roommates, or anything else that may make noise or take your attention away from your task.

2. Gather your tools by the phone.

• Resume
• Pen and paper to jot the interviewer(s) name(s) down immediately and to take notes during the interview
• Company research (with relevant information highlighted)
• Questions to ask about the company and position
• A loosely written outline of points to make or items to cover as you talk about the position
• Comfort items: tissues, a glass of water

Do these things at interview time:

3. If the employer sets up an appointment in advance, dress the part for the interview. Experts say if you're dressed in a professional manner, you'll speak that way.

4. If an employer calls and wants to do the interview right away (instead of setting up an appointment), excuse yourself politely and offer to call back in five minutes. This will give you time to make the psychological switch from whatever you are doing to your professional demeanor.

5. If you have call waiting, turn it off. (Your telephone book will have the instructions on how to do this on a per call basis).

6. Stand up to talk. Your position affects the quality of your voice. If you are sitting down relaxing, you don't project the same readiness and intensity as you do if you stand up.

7. Talk only when necessary. Since you lack the visual cues of body language to assess whether you've said enough, mark the end of your response with a question, such as "Would you like more details of my experience as an intern with XYZ Company?"

8. Let the employer end the interview. Then you should say "Thank you for your time," and reiterate your interest in the position.

If you perform well on the telephone, you'll probably be invited to interview with a hiring manager on site.

Lights! Camera! Job Offer!

Your big break in the job market may be on camera-a videocamera in the career services office that will allow you to interview with an employer in another city. Some employers are using videoconference technology to screen candidates before hosting on-site interviews.

You'll find the videoconference interview gives you some of the benefits of a telephone interview (you can have your notes handy for reference), even while you are face-to-face with the interviewer.

Don't let your appearance outshine (or distract the interviewer from) what you're trying to say, says Jeff Puffer, senior communications consultant at Frank N. Magid Associates, Inc. Puffer advises television reporters and anchors on how to look their best on camera. He says he always advises against trying to look glamorous. Rather, your should enhance your presence and credibility. Here's what he advises:

For women
Hair
Neutral, even coloring. No dark (or gray) roots, white ends, or colored edges
Should match your eyebrows
Length should be above the shoulder line--the ends shouldn't touch or drape your shoulder line
Cut should flatter your face
Should appear soft, healthy, and natural looking (hair spray should not be detectable)

Wardrobe
Strong, deep colors (avoid pastels and black)
Crisp, sharp fabrics
Neckline should flatter your face
One tailored piece of jewelry that has a matte or dull finish (to avoid a glare)

Makeup
Overall coloring should be smooth, natural-toned, and matte (not shiny)
Lips should be rosy, healthy, and moist; shaded to enhance natural coloring (not shimmery, frosty, brown, or orange)

For Men
Hair
Neutral, even coloring. No dark (or gray) roots, white ends, or colored edges
Should match your eyebrows
Trimmed short on the sides, clean-cut over the ears
Should appear soft, healthy, and natural looking (hair spray should not be detectable)

Wardrobe
Strong, deep color or strong, medium-toned neutral color blazer
Neatly pressed shirt
Tie brightens but doesn't distract from you (ties should incorporate a bright color, a dark color, and white; in a small all-over pattern)

More On-Camera Tips
1. Arrive early so you can get comfortable.
2. Adjust your chair so that you can sit eye-level with the camera.
3. Check your posture. Don't slouch. Don't lean sideways.
4. Use note cards or sticky notes that can't be seen on camera to remind yourself of points that you'd like to make.
No matter what kind of interview you do-telephone, video, or in-person-follow up with a thank-you note to each of the people you have talked to.

Reprinted from JobWeb with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.