Why you should interview by phone

Phone interviews provide the opportunity to ask preliminary questions and determine which applicants fulfill essential job requirements. They can help you identify quality candidates early in the screening process so you can save in-person interviews for those with the relevant skills and experiences.

A round of phone interviews lets you speak with numerous candidates in a short period. These conversations might give you a sense of the talent pool and help you determine whether your salary, budget and skill expectations align with applicants’ backgrounds. Each phone call may also provide insight into job seekers’ expectations and early impressions of your company.

How to prepare for a phone interview

Preparing for phone interviews helps you make the most of the time and vet your candidate pool adequately. Here are several things to consider when planning your calls:

• Review candidates thoroughly: Read through each applicant’s resume, application and supporting materials, such as portfolios or work samples. Note any career highlights or experiences you’d like to discuss.
• Prepare thoughtful questions: Create phone interview questions to identify whether each candidate meets the basic job requirements. You might include questions about why they’re interested in working with your organization and a few preliminary situational interview questions if time permits. Consider standardizing your questions in advance to ensure every applicant receives a fair interview.
• Focus on skills: If you’re taking a skills-first hiring approach, allow candidates to explain how their abilities may transfer to the needs of the open position. This can help you overcome unconscious biases and make it easier to identify candidates with the right skills.
• Dedicate time to the call: Designate time on your schedule and a quiet place to conduct the call so you can give the applicant your full attention. You might also leave time at the end of the interview for the applicant to ask questions.

Phone interview tips: How to do a phone interview

A phone call can help you evaluate applicants’ professionalism and communication skills. Remember that neurodiversity and other factors can impact how a person communicates. As you learn how to conduct phone interviews, focus on an inclusive process.

You might use these tips when speaking with candidates:

• Be conversational: It’s important to discuss your company and the open position, but you should also give the applicant time to share their thoughts and ask questions.
• Avoid distractions: Find a quiet, private space where you’re unlikely to be interrupted, such as a private office or conference room. You could also mark yourself as busy on your calendar or put a “do not disturb” sign on your door. Staying focused may show the applicant you care about their time while allowing you to evaluate their answers effectively.
• Let candidates ask questions: Invite candidates to ask questions about the job, company and hiring process. While phone interviews help employers assess applicants, they can also help job seekers determine if the organization matches their needs.

What to do after the interview call

Before ending the call, set clear expectations by outlining the next steps in the hiring process. Let applicants know whether to expect a follow-up email or call and thank them for their time. If you’re interested in continuing the relationship, you might also encourage them to reach out with any questions.

Phone interviews can save employers and applicants time in the hiring process. They help you determine which applicants meet the needs of the open job, narrowing the talent pool before you shift to in-person interviews. Once you’ve identified your top candidates, you can easily proceed to the next phase.

FAQs about how to conduct phone interviews

How do you start a phone interview as the interviewer?

When you call an applicant for a phone interview, start by greeting them and thanking them for their time. You may begin by telling the applicant about the job, the necessary qualifications, how the position fits into the broader operations or the skills you’re looking for in candidates. These descriptions can help orient the candidate and lead into your prepared questions.

How long should a phone interview last?

Phone interviews typically last between 15 and 30 minutes. If you’re screening candidates for basic qualifications and skills, consider aiming for a shorter call. Schedule approximately 5-10 minutes of extra time to allow time for discussion and questions.