Many companies start the job interview process with a phone interview to get to know a candidate before the in-person interview. This allows the interviewer to select the best potential employee for the next step in the interview process and saves a lot of time. Some people don’t represent themselves the best on the phone, so here are some tips to get you one step closer to getting hired.

1. Know the industry

When you have a phone interview, research the company that might employ you and their industry. Every industry, from construction, engineering to environmental, has its own specific jargon and approach. Learn some of the phrases that will apply to your new position so you can work on them during the conversation.

2. Listen!

Many people in phone interviews think they have to talk all the time. It is important to let the other person on the line speak. Even more important, you must take the time to listen to what the person has to say. The interviewer may even be testing your listening skills as part of the process. Consider repeating things back to the interviewer and always wait to speak until he has completely finished what he is saying.

3. “uh…”

Be aware of what you say. If you find that you need a moment to think, avoid using the word “um.” Consider a moment of silence instead. Try to also remove any other unprofessional words in your language, such as “like”.

4. Practice makes perfect

Before your interview, be sure to practice your answers to likely questions. Common interview questions include:

• Why do you want to work in our company?
• What would you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Mention a time in your last position when you had to work as a team.

Knowing the popular questions can help you prepare, but you also want to be ready for anything that comes your way. You should also practice maintaining your composition by asking a friend or family member to ask you dark questions to see how you handle pressure.

5. Avoid distractions during the interview

Interviews are hard enough as it is. You don’t need distractions. When it’s time for your job interview, find a comfortable and quiet place that will give you a good reception. Make sure someone else is watching children or pets. You’ll also want to make sure you have a clear head, so drink your morning cup of coffee first. Finally, close the windows to prevent any outside noise from attracting your attention. You want the interviewer to focus on you, not the chaos around you.

Getting the first interview is half the battle. There must be something they liked about you based on your resume or application, so be confident! Whether it’s a construction job, environmental work, or engineering job, use these tools to go from the phone interview to the in-person interview.