More and more of today’s employers are using the telephone interview as a first step in their recruitment process. A telephone interview is an effective way to screen a large number of potential candidates and eliminates unlikely interviewees.
While you still want a actual face to face job interview with customised questions for each position, this advice may guide you through this worthwhile first round process.
1. Don’t multitask – the candidate will know that you aren’t giving them your full attention
2. Listen to their responses and adjust your next question accordingly – don’t just run through to the next question, you want to see what makes this candidate tick
3. Give them an opportunity to ask you any questions at the end of the phone call. Give them a last chance to impress you
4. Keep the candidate talking, get them to elaborate – the longer they speak the more detail you will learn
5. A phone interview is only a first step so don’t go overboard. Stick to a time limit for the calls
6. Phone interviews can be used to minimise the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates – don’t discount a candidate because they live interstate or overseas currently
7. It is a little unfair to cold call the candidate for an interview when they may not be prepared. Always ask if they have time for the call now and let them have the chance to reschedule if they need to. You want to give them a chance to put their best foot forward.
Remember that phone interviews are an effective technique as part of the greater recruitment process. They can save you time and money when done correctly so do follow these tips to make the most of the process.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about telephone interviews please contact me paul@paulgreening.com
