If you simply cannot make up your mind and still have 10 resumes in your “Yes” pile, consider screening a few of the applicants over the phone. By screening candidates over the phone, you cut down on precious in person interview time.
Many companies have an HR staff person do the phone interview with a pre-selected set of specific questions. Smaller businesses cannot afford this luxury and usually the business owner or manager conducts the phone interview. Either way, the phone interview should not take more than 15 minutes. Here are some tips for keeping it smooth.
Make sure to schedule the interview. Don’t just call up the candidate and tell them you’d like to do a phone interview right now. Extend them the courtesy of preparing for the phone interview by either emailing them or calling them a day or two before to schedule it.
Write down the questions you will be asking each candidate and have the list in front of you when you begin the phone interview. Ask probing questions, not Yes/No questions. For example, “Do you know how to use PowerPoint?” allows for a short one word answer. Instead probe further with, “Explain to me how you have used PowerPoint in a recent project.” Be sure to include questions about the position at hand – “What drew you to our company and this position?” And don’t forget a few questions that will help you determine their strengths and weaknesses. You may also want to ask them if they are currently employed and why they want to leave that job. Try to get an idea of why they are searching for a job.
Keep it legal! As we discussed in the job advertisement section earlier in the book, you have to be careful not to ask potentially discriminating questions. The questions below also pertain to the in person interview. Here are some do’s and don’ts:
- Yes: Are you 18 years of age or older? No: How old are you? What is your date of birth? How old are your children?
- Yes: Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No: Have you ever been arrested?
- Yes: Are you a citizen? No: Of what country are you a citizen?
- No: Do you have a disability? Have you ever been treated for any of the following diseases?
This section is continued on page 72 of my book. ORDER NOW!