The Preliminary Telephone Interview
Ensure a successful interview by being thoroughly briefed on the candidate, conducting a preliminary phone screening if they're not local, and preparing them with detailed information and a personal touch for the face-to-face meeting.
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1. Get a Candidate Briefing
Before the interview, ensure your recruiter has briefed you about the candidate. Understand their motivation for a job change, family situation, and any potential obstacles.
2. Conduct a Phone Screening for Non-Local Candidates
If the candidate isn't local, start with a brief phone interview. Have the recruiter arrange for the candidate to call you to ensure they can speak freely. Your goal is to gather enough information to decide if a face-to-face interview is warranted.
During the call:
- Introduce your company and the job opportunity.
- Highlight the key qualities you are looking for in a candidate.
- Ask a few questions based on the candidate’s resume to assess their qualifications.
If you are impressed, schedule an in-person interview right away or let them know the recruiter will contact them soon for next steps. Provide feedback to your recruiter and have them follow up.
3. Prepare the Candidate for the Face-to-Face Interview
Send the candidate information about your company and the job position (including a job description) as soon as possible. Include an interview agenda to help them prepare, which also demonstrates your company’s professionalism and organization.
Add a personal touch by including a handwritten note expressing your anticipation of meeting with them.
By following these steps, you'll set the stage for a smooth and productive interview process.
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