It may come as a surprise for you to hear that phone interviews are a challenge for both sides! But since they are a fact of life, here are some tips on how to stand out.

SECRET (probably not really a secret to you): The more confident and comfortable you can be on these calls, the more impressive and memorable you are. Please note that is NOT the same as saying “The more you talk” the more impressive and memorable you are!

TIP 1: Match their conversational style for a few moments.
It’s the fastest way for people to feel a connection with you. If they are speaking quickly, speak the same way for the first few moments. Once you feel the connection, you can move toward your more natural style. This is a good way to make sure you don’t come across like a telemarketer-cheer leader or alternatively someone with lack luster energy.

BONUS: when you focus on listening to them in those first critical moments, any nervousness decreases!

TIP 2: Take a moment to build a little rapport, even if you just ask “how are you?”
All things being equal, it’s the chemistry (relationship) that may ultimately decide who gets the offer. So by matching their style and building a little rapport, you begin to create a relationship. This is a step most candidates omit.

TIP 3: Avoid adding lots of information to your answers hoping something will sound so fabulous they cannot resist you.
The recruiter or hiring manager probably has a list of questions they want to ask. Answer what they are asking in the way they ask for it. If they ask for one example, give one. If they are asking introductory questions, answer them with just the information asked for. You’ll get a chance to talk about your experience shortly.

TIP 4: Avoid lapsing into a long recapitulation of your experience without being asked.
Less is more, especially true in a phone interview. Don’t keep going on and on with what you’ve done that makes you a great candidate, etc. Unfortunately, that often comes across as desperate or salesy. It never comes across as confident.

Recently I had a candidate go on for 90 seconds with information about what they had done, but I had only asked if they thought they would be getting an offer in the next few weeks. By the way, if you take that much time to answer a question it can be a very long time to the person on the other end of the line, especially if it’s information they didn’t ask for.

TIP 5: Use a model for answering questions, such as the STAR method. (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
You are getting an opportunity to tell a story which is a great way to have an impact in any interview. Just be sure to start with the “once upon a time” part–meaning the beginning of the story. So many times candidates just start in the middle of the situation and kind of ramble. As a listener I am totally at a loss as to what was going on. It’s not good to confuse the interviewer.

TIP 6: Ask questions that would give you can use to position yourself as the ideal candidate.
Samples: Is this a new position? If so, what’s happening that has made it time to fill the position? If there was someone in it previously, what did they do that was great? What does the hiring manager want this person to accomplish in the first 6 months? What is the first thing this person should do when they take this role? etc.

TIP 7: Lastly, remember the recruiter when you are thinking of “thank you” notes.

What additional tips are working for you as a job seeker or recruiter? Let’s share so we can get more people into great new jobs. Thank you for reading and sharing!