Conducting Phone Interviews

You finished reviewing each and every one of the countless resumes you received. Now that you have developed a short list of candidates for the position what is your next step? Well, let's talk about the phone interview.

Oftentimes employers will conduct phone interviews in advance of on-site interviews. This allows the employer to assess candidates and their skills in an effort to identify those candidates an employer wishes to pursue further. *A word of advice – don’t call everyone. Phone interview only those individuals you feel are your best prospects.* Remember, a phone interview is all about gathering information on the candidate. The phone interview should be short. No more than 20 minutes. Yup, that’s it.

As an employer, I always recommend that the phone interview be pre-scheduled. Calling a candidate at the spur of the moment may catch the candidate at a bad time. Pre-scheduling will allow the candidate to ensure that s/he is in an environment in which they can give you their full and undivided attention. Allow the candidate to be prepared and in an environment that is distraction free. No barking dogs, no crying babies, no loud television. Just you, the candidate and the telephone.

When conducting phone interviews you should always have a “script” or a set of questions to use. *Review your questions frequently and ensure that they exclude any questions that are forbidden by the EEOC and that could potentially lead to job discrimination lawsuits.* Always make sure you have the candidates resume right in front of you as well as the job description (or posting).

During your phone interview, review the candidate’s background. Look at the employment history. Are there any gaps in employment? Discuss his/her role with their current employer. Why is s/he considering leaving? What dissatisfied him/her? Does the candidate’s background and experience truly match the qualifications in your job description? What is the candidate looking for in a new position?

During the interview, always take time to discuss YOUR organization and the value the position (and the right candidate) will bring into the organization.

Always clearly explain your hiring process. Briefly explain the next steps of the application process. Communicate the time frame on when the candidate will be contacted regarding his/her application status.

Conclude the phone interview by thanking the candidate for his/her time and interest.

*Remember, always document your phone interview and provide a summary of responses from the applicant.*