Each month, career coach Liz Bentley answers candid questions about work.

I have a phone interview for a job I really want, any tips?

The executives I mentor are always looking for people to add expertise to their teams, especially with all the changes happening in the market right now. Because their time is valuable and the pool of people looking for work is vast, most interviews begin with a phone meeting. If that interview goes well, it will lead to a Zoom call and eventually, if appropriate, a face-to-face meeting. In other words, getting through the phone interview is an important first step. The intensity of the phone interview varies. Some may end with a brief greeting, while others may delve deeper to see if you meet the criteria for the position.

Go into this phone interview thinking that it is the most important meeting of the job. Because if it doesn't go well, you won't get another meeting or get the job. Here's how to show up effectively and make a good enough impression to move on.

1. Prepare for the meeting.

When scheduling a meeting, be sure to ask how long it will last. That way you will know how to prepare:

2. master the art of talking on the phone.

As our lives continue to change with an uncertain future, we must adapt to living in a virtual world where one-on-one connections are less common in person. Those who can communicate effectively on all types of platforms, including the telephone, will achieve greater success. Here are some of the main ways to communicate well over the phone and let your personality shine through.

3. Follow up strategically.

When writing thank you letters, make yourself stand out. Take the time to craft a message that picks up on the theme of the call so that it is not generic. If it was a short greeting, reiterate your interest in the position and briefly summarize what skills and expertise you can bring to the job based on the additional information you received on the call. If the call was more in-depth, take the opportunity to elaborate on one or two of the items that most intrigued you. Doing so will demonstrate that you are truly interested in the position, as well as your communication style and perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the company and the department.

Our world is constantly changing and we really have no idea what the "new normal" will be. It's really important to get used to this style, as you may not be doing in-person interviews for a long time. Developing good habits now and continuing to practice them will help you in your career.