Interviews Over the Phone

Interview, interview questions, job interview? Sometimes, due to logistics, job interviews have to be done over the phone. While it can't take the place of meeting in person, the phone interview can save time and bridge distance.  

When to do Phone Interviews

 In addition to the steps for conducting a face-to-face interview, keep the following in mind:

Before the Phone Interview

• Be Prepared. Preparation for a telephone interview should be similar to a regular interview. Familiarize yourself with the applicant's résumé before the interview. Moments of silence while scanning the résumé are even more awkward over the phone. 

• Set A Date & Time. Plan an exact time to have the interview and follow through with it. Treat it with the same level of importance that you would an in-person meeting. 

  If the interview is long distance, finding an exact time where both you and the applicant are available may be difficult and tardiness could cause problems. Pay special attention to time zone differences. 

• Who Calls Who. Typically the interviewer calls the interviewee. If you need to have the interviewee call, provide a toll-free number if there is one. Whatever you decide, make it very clear so all parties know where they need to be, when, and what to do.

• Do Not Disturb. Make sure that you do not receive phone calls while conducting the interview. This goes for both interviewer and interviewee. If this means turning off call waiting, or request that all of your calls be put directly to voice mail, then do so. You may be busy, but the interview should be top priority.

During the Interview

• No Speakerphone. Never conduct a phone interview over speakerphone unless there are multiple interviewers in the room. If the interview is one-on-one, using a speakerphone could be construed as rude and turn off a potential employee. Speakerphone is also not as clear as a direct line and can make it difficult for the listener to hear. 

• Interview Script. Have questions prepared for the interview. An advantage to a phone interview is that you can look down at your notes freely while conducting the call and makes notes without making the applicant nervous.

• Be Upfront & Clear. As with any interview, be upfront with the applicant. It is especially important with a long distance interview, because the interviewee may be making great concessions to come to your company, such as moving to a new city, state or country. It is for miscommunication to happen when both people aren't in the room to pick up on body language. As with any interview, be clear, and don't make promises you can't keep. 

For more information and tips on interviewing in general, see How-To Conduct A Job Interview.