Telephone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow down the pool of candidates who will be invited to in-person interviews. A phone call is a relatively quick and easy way to determine if a candidate is a good fit. They are also used to minimize the costs of interviewing candidates from out of town. Telephone interviews are conducted just like in-person interviews.
Hiring managers and recruiters use them as a tool for selecting candidates for employment. Recruiters or potential employers ask questions in telephone interviews as part of the initial hiring process. Telephone interviews are one of the ways used by employers to search for and select job seekers. With telephone interviews, candidates can be evaluated to ensure that they meet the requirements of the position before sending them to the hiring manager for a face-to-face interview.
Once you learn how to conduct a telephone interview as effectively as possible, you'll be able to narrow down your pool of candidates more quickly. If the candidate doesn't pass those initial screening questions (which will vary depending on the organization), end the phone interview elegantly. Telephone interviews are often the first obstacle in the interview process used by employers to quickly separate qualified candidates from unqualified candidates. Telephone interviews are truly one of the best reasons to create a web portfolio or ensure that your LinkedIn profile is complete and shows your achievements.
Telephone interview questions can help evaluate the candidate's critical thinking and interpersonal skills. When you can't reply to the phone number you provided in your request or resume when someone calls you, make sure that a voicemail message is available that confirms that the number belongs to you and that you clearly state your name in a professional manner. It can be difficult to concentrate on the phone interview when the candidate isn't directly in front of you, but it's important not to be distracted. Between three and six of the candidates who pass by the phone screen will be invited to participate in the next round of interviews.
Short “yes” and “no” answers won't move the phone interview forward, but will end it quickly. Many interviewers start the conversation with this question, either on the phone or in a face-to-face interview. Follow these 12 steps to succeed in your next phone interview and you'll be invited to continue with the interview process. As in any interview, you'll want to “read the room” and go beyond your list of phone interview questions if necessary.
When scheduling your interviews, evaluate the phone interview questions and estimate how much time you'll need with each candidate. If you're looking for a job and are asked to be interviewed by phone, take some time to research the position and the company.
