Things You'll Need:
- Printed list of questions
- Job & Company Description
- Pen
- Candidate Resumes
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Step 1
You need to hire someone, but you don't want to waste too much time doing it. A phone interview is highly effective way to narrow down the list of potential employees. It should be used as the second screening after reviewing candidate resumes. This is not normally an in depth interview and should not be longer than 30 minutes.
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Step 2
Preparation - Make sure you have a clear job description and list of the personality type and skills you need. Hopefully you did this prior to posting the job and so it's easily available. From this list develop a list of questions to ask each candidate (normally 5-7 questions) such as, "What did you like best of your last job?". See the resources for more questions.
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Step 3
Setup Interview Times - Set aside a block of time to conduct phone interviews. I recommend setting aside at least 2 hours which should allow for 4-8 phone interviews depending on how in depth you go. Provide the candidate with the dates and times available and confirm appointments on a first come first served basis. Be sure to give the candidates an expectation on the amount of time it will take 15 - 30 minutes maximum.
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Step 4
Prep before the Interviews - The day before re-check your list of questions and if you don't change any print out one copy for each candidate. Also ensure that you have a copy of the candidates resume. I prefer to put them in order of phone interview time.
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Step 5
Opening Phone Interview - Always initiate the phone calls this allows you to control the timing of the calls so you can adjust if another interview goes long or there are technical problems. When calling ensure your alking to the right person and introduce yourself. Asking them how there day is going is a great way to break the ice, of course be prepared to answer that question as well.
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Step 6
Taking Notes - Always take detailed note, but not so many that you lose track of what is being said. Try to put the notes near the appropriate question if unrelated then use the bottom or side of the page. You can fill in details after the interview if needed.
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Step 7
Asking Questions - Immediately take control of the interview and ask your first question. Normally starting with something that allows the candidate to talk about their skills or experience beyond what is on the resume. Write down any follow up questions that occur to you as they are answering your questions. If your not sure of an answer ask them to repeat or clarify what they said.
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Step 8
Evaluate the Candidate - As your interviewing glance at the list of skills and personality traits you are looking for in an employee. Do they match? What experience level does the candidate have? Will there personality and job desires fit your company?
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Step 9
Talk about the Job and Company - At the end of the interview take a few minutes to talk about the specifics for the job and the company history\culture. Gvie them a clear picture of where the company is going and where the company is at. Also ask them if they have any questions.
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Step 10
Closing the Interview - to close make sure to let them know when and how you will be getting back to them. Allow yourself several days, but make sure you do follow up with them even if it's an e-mail. They may not fit the position today, but a couple years maybe they will.
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Step 11
Re-Evaluate Possible Employees - Once you complete all the phone interviews then re-evaluate the candidates. Place them order of your favorite to least and depending on the number take the top 3-6 candidates to setup "live" interviews with.
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Step 12
In a short couple of hours you can narrow your choices from hundreds of candidates to a few great candidates. The more work you do up front in hiring the less work you have to do with candidates that don't work out. Hire slowly and carefully and fire quickly and carefully.
