It’s a common dilemma. You understand the importance of job applicant interviews and candidate assessments to determine if the person is a good fit for your organization. Still, interviews can be uncomfortable for both candidates and hiring managers. How do you prepare for the interview? Can you effectively communicate with the potential employee in a phone screening to get the insight you need? And how do you assess their skills and cultural fit while recognizing “red flags”?
In this guide, we’ll discuss our top tips and strategies for successful phone interviews, including creating a positive candidate experience, overcoming challenges, and best practices for remote interviews.
With the proper planning, the interview can be an enlightening and stress-free part of the recruiting process.
How to Prepare for Phone Interviews with Candidates
What are the steps you should take when conducting telephone interviews? Preparation is key. Understand the role you’re hiring for and consider your company’s mission and goals. Research the candidate and create a detailed interview plan. Put the person at ease so they’re comfortable talking to you.
Determine the Qualifications and Consider Company Culture
Review the qualifications, both required and preferred, for the open position. Include technical abilities (hard skills) and personal qualities (soft skills). Have a list in front of you as you conduct the interview. Consider your company culture and the type of personality that would be a good fit.
Develop a Structured Interview Plan
After defining crucial job competencies (e.g., leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving), create questions that align with these requirements. Vary between open-ended, closed-ended (yes/no), and situational questions (hypothetical scenarios). Use a scoring system to fairly and consistently evaluate each candidate’s responses.
Research the Candidate
Familiarize yourself with the person being interviewed. Review their resume and application materials, check out their social media accounts, and speak to any references they’ve provided. Make notes about what to discuss in your conversation, such as special work projects.
Effectively Communicate with Candidates During the Call
Have an engaging conversation with the job seeker and prompt them to describe their past experiences to demonstrate their competencies in different areas. This approach will encourage the interviewee to tell you more about themselves, their abilities, and their successes. Use follow-up questions, when needed, to go deeper and gain clarification.
Strategies for Assessing Candidates
What are the best recruitment strategies for assessing candidates’ skills and cultural fit and noting problems over the phone? One way is by asking open-ended questions that allow the space for candidates to explain their skills, reveal personality traits, and possibly even uncover “red flags.”
Skills
How can recruiters effectively assess candidates’ skills during a phone interview? Ask detailed questions that use behavioral interview techniques. These questions are based on the person’s past behaviors, demonstrating how they handled specific situations that relate to the role they’re being considered for. Their responses will reveal their top skills and how they make decisions.
Cultural Fit
How can recruiters use phone interviews to gauge cultural fit? Ask questions about the job seeker’s past experiences to learn about their work style, motivations, and goals. Listen closely to determine their enthusiasm and energy and how they align with the organization’s values. Ensure they understand the company mission and culture.
Potential Red Flags
Watch out for these potential “red flags” when conducting a phone screening:
- Lack of Preparation
- Inconsistencies
- Job Hopping History
- Avoids or Redirects Your Questions
- No Questions of Their Own
- Lack of Enthusiasm
- Negative Comments
- Personal Distractions
- Using Unprofessional Filler Words Such as “Like”
Listen closely and take detailed notes to get the full benefit of candidates’ responses. Pay attention to the person’s tone, choice of words, and pacing to assess their communication skills and confidence.
Tips for Creating a Positive Candidate Experience
To put the candidate at ease during the phone interview, display a friendly and professional demeanor and respect their time. Start with a clear job description, provide information about the interview format before starting, and verify call details.
- Start with a friendly greeting and summary of the role
- Actively listen to their answers
- Maintain a positive, upbeat tone
- Use structured interview questions for all candidates
- Explain the position in more detail
- Make questions open-ended
- Discuss company culture and values
Afterward, provide timely feedback and outline the next steps.
Best Practices in Remote Interviewing
While some interviews may be by telephone, many will be video interviews conducted via a platform like Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. A video interview allows the recruiter to observe the candidate’s appearance and body language in response to questions, which can provide additional insight.
These best practices will help you to overcome common challenges during phone interviews.
- Give the person advance notice so they have ample interview preparation time.
- Find a private, professional place for the conversation.
- Test your technology.
- Have a backup plan in case the software or internet connection fails.
- Speak clearly at a reasonable pace and maintain a calm demeanor.
- Be an active listener and take notes.
Technology Considerations
For video interviews, ensure that your conferencing platform, camera, microphone, and internet connection are all working correctly. Notify the candidate of a backup plan if you or they experience problems. It’s vital to use a medium that you’re both comfortable with.
CulverCareers is Your Guide to Effective Interviewing Techniques
You now have the knowledge and tools to conduct successful and impactful phone interviews. However, if you want professional guidance and access to an extensive network of pre-vetted active and passive job seekers, CulverCareers can help! We’re award-winning professional recruiters with decades of experience.
Are you ready to elevate your recruitment process and make impactful hiring decisions? Contact us to learn how our recruiters can deliver talent solutions tailored to your organization’s needs.
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