How can a construction job seeker best prepare for a phone or video call interview?

When preparing for a phone or video call interview, construction job seekers should study the advice offered in the following 14 steps:

1. Prepare for the construction interview in the same way you would a face-to-face construction interview. Know your construction resume inside out and prepare answers for common questions like, "What is your greatest weakness/strength?".

2. Rehearse and rehearse again. This is the best technique for assessing how well you know your construction career history, calming nerves, untwisting tongues and building confidence.

3. On the day of your interview, make sure you have a quiet, undisturbed place that has a good line connection to do the construction interview. Make sure nothing is on - radio or mobile phone. If you have "call waiting", see if you can have it disabled.

4. Make sure you get the construction interviewer's name right and then use it several times.

5. Don't answer with just a "yes" and "no" but do keep your answers concise. Smiling while talking will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Stand and pace if it will help you breath and project your voice.

6. Dress the part so you feel professional - and sound it too.

7. Tap notes in big writing to the walls. I know a senior construction executive who did this and it worked. Also, stick your construction resume up where you can see it.

8. Remember that the construction interviewer cannot see you. If you get a question you want to think about, don't panic but state that. For example, "That's a good question. I'm going to take a moment so I can provide you with an accurate answer."

9. Keep a pen and paper handy to take notes that will help you ask good questions about the construction employer and role.

10. Obviously you will not smoke, chew gum or eat during the construction interview but it's a good idea to have water on hand. If you get a dry mouth, it's fine to say: "Excuse me while a take a sip of water".

11. Don't interrupt the construction interviewer.

12. Ask questions that show your interest in the construction employer rather than yourself. Asking about if the team you would be joining is currently tackling any big projects would be better than "how much would I earn?"

13. At the end of the construction interview, thank the construction interviewer for his or her time and say you hope to meet them in construction executive. Ask about the next steps in the construction recruitment process including the timeline.

14. Follow up with a thank you note or email.