Sometimes companies will ask you for a telephone interview before a face to face one. This is used to narrow down the number of applicants and is especially true in the following cases. When candidates have to travel a long way, in this way the company can cut down on travel expenses. When there are a lot of candidates and when CV screening may not be sufficient; personality may be a key factor in this kind of job. Finally when the job you’ve applied for involves a lot of talking to people on the phone.

　　有时候，公司会在面对面面试之前，和你进行一次电话面试，这是为了缩小申请者的范围。进行电话面试，也有以下几个原因：当申请者距离面试地点很远的时候，公司用电话面试的方式可以减少旅途上的开支；当申请者数量太多的时候，通过简历来筛选实在不充分；当个人性格是工作要求的重要指标的时候，电话面试也是判断申请者是否适合的好方法；最后一点可能原因就是，当这份工作需要你经常接听电话。

　　If you are calling them, you should have a specific time. Be punctual and call at the precise time. Too early shows you are over enthusiastic and too late shows lack of interest. If you can’t get through, leave a message with the receptionist to show you called at the right time. If they have said they will call you then they might do it at any time. Because of this you need to be ready for a phone interview at a moment’s notice; preparation is vital. Firstly find out as much as you can about the company and the job. Then make a note of any questions you want to ask and have a note book and pen ready along with a copy of your CV.

　　在你打电话给公司，进行面试之前，要确保你有充足的时间。记住要守时，按照公司要求，准点打电话。过早会显得你过于热情，太迟会让人觉得你不够诚心。如果你打不通的话，给接线员留下信息，证明你按时拨打电话了。如果公司说，他们会打电话给你，你就要做好准备随时接电话了。因此，你需要随时准备着，准备这个过程也是至关重要的。首先，搜索关于公司和工作的相关信息，越多越好；然后记录下你想要问的问题；同时随身携带纸笔和你的简历。

　　Once you are ready to make or receive the call, make sure all TVs and radios are switched off and that you are in a quiet room with the door shut. When talking on the phone your tone of voice is all important. It might help to do a practice interview with a friend or family member. If you tape it you can see how you sound and work on reducing hesitations and the “ums” and “ahs” you use. You can also rehearse answering typical questions such as; “Tell me about yourself”.

　　一旦你准备接听或拨打面试电话，你要确保你身处一个安静独立的房间，且电视广播等声源都已关闭。电话通话中，你的语音语调是非常重要的。可以提前和亲戚朋友做做练习。在你准备的过程中，录音可以让你发现如何调整自己的声音，如何减少嗯嗯啊啊的等犹豫语气词的使用次数。你也可以演练一些常见问题，例如：“你是一个怎么样的人.”　　

　　When you answer the phone, announce your name in an enthusiastic way and, throughout the interview, sound interested and energetic. Be succinct, give short answers and don’t go on and on in a long winded fashion. Likewise don’t swear or use colloquialisms or jargon; you might be tempted to, in order to seem cool or fashionable, but don’t! It would be a good idea to have glass of water nearby, in case your throat gets dry, but don’t smoke, eat or chew gum. Speak slowly and clearly and take your time. Use the person’s title, Mr. or Mrs. and their last name, regularly throughout the conversation. Also, use the company’s name from time to time but don’t address the interviewer by his or her first name unless asked to. Smile! This will change the tone of your voice and project a positive image to the listener.

　　接电话过程中，回答自己名字的时候要热情活力，面试中，要始终听起来对工作报以最大兴趣，且精力充沛。回答问题的时候要简明扼要，不要使用句式繁杂的长句。不要使用宣誓，方言，或行话，即使听起来让人感觉你很酷很时尚，也别这么说。面试时候，可以在旁边放杯水，口渴时候润润喉，不要吸烟，吃东西或嚼口香糖。调整语速，吐词清楚。使用某某先生或女士等称谓，时不时在对话中以此称呼对方，也可以数次提及公司的名字，不过不要去姓留名的称呼对方，除非对方提出你可以。保持微笑！微笑会改变你的声音，会给面试官留下你积极乐观的印象。

　　Closing the interview is an important ability in itself. You need to show your enthusiasm at some stage by asking for a date to meet for a face to face interview. If the interviewer doesn’t give a direct answer you could offer to call again at a later date to find out; you have to be keen but not pushy.

　　结束面试本身也大有内容。你需要体现你的热情，询问是否能接到当面的面试。如果面试官没有给你直接答复，你可以说：“下次我再打个电话问一下是否有当面面试的机会吧。”你要表现出来精神面貌是积极进取，而不是一意孤行。

　　After the interview take notes about what you were asked and how you answered. Send a thank you letter or email which reinforces your interest in the job.

　　面试之后，记录下你被问到的问题和你所做的回答。发出感谢信，这样可以让对方知道你对这份工作真的很有意。