How to Connect with a Candidate during a Phone Interview

Many times, candidates and interviewers only have so much time to get to know each other, which can be even harder over the phone. So how do you make sure you leave the conversation understanding more about who they are and what they have to offer your company?

#1 Research the Candidate Before the Interview

Take some time before the interview to look into the candidate’s background. Thoroughly go over their resume and visit any social media or websites listed. By doing this you can look to see that everything across the board matches up.

Sometimes candidates simply make a small error on their resume. However, if there are any considerable inaccuracies when comparing their given information this might be a sign of a bad candidate. Luckily, spotting this can save you time in the hiring process by eliminating a candidate before wasting your time by calling them for a long interview only to discover a lie.

Researching the candidate can also tell you more about their values. Seeing what kinds of companies they have worked for in the past and if things like volunteering are important to them could show you how their values will align with your company. Additionally, you will have more context when asking them about certain skills or traits they possess.

Especially if you work with sensitive information, money, or vehicles, running necessary background checks before the interview can help save you time when hiring. Running background checks on candidates can help you learn about a candidate’s credit history, their criminal history, can help reduce your risk of financial fraud, as well as highlight any false credentials.

#2 Go into the Phone Interview with Optimism

After narrowing down your search, you have finally settled on a few candidates who seem right for the position. Set the attitude of the interview by keeping a confident and friendly tone. Keeping things light and upbeat helps both parties to be free of nerves and to communicate openly.

Wesley Ward, Marketing Manager of an Hausera suggests, “If you haven’t already formulated an overview about your company and what they do, start by writing down what you would want a stranger to know about your company. You don’t have to go into detail about every aspect of your business, but more of an elevator pitch to highlight the best parts of your company.”

Going into the interview with information to offer about your company is important because at this stage you have chosen the best candidates and you want them to work for you! Use the interview to go over what they can expect day to day in the office, overview how a day in the position looks, yearly or quarterly company goals, and company benefits they will receive.

#3 Make a List of Questions you Would Like Answered

Going into a phone interview can be somewhat awkward, as you’re unable to read body language and see the person you’re speaking to. Use what you’ve learned from their background to write down some questions you’d like them to answer regarding the position as well as any questions you may have about their previous work experience. Try to get to know the candidate on a personal level by asking them about their professional goals and advise them on how they can achieve their goals with your company.

Make questions specific and tailored to the position. If you are hiring for a programming position, stray away from general questions unrelated to the position such as “what do you know about sales?” Asking these types of questions can make candidates uncomfortable and left confused about the job entails. Asking a question like “what programming languages do you know and how can you use them to integrate with our current code?” Asking specific and direct questions will get you the best responses in order to tell you if the candidate is right for the position.

You can also read: The Ultimate Practical Guide to Mastering the Job Interview Process

#4 Answer any Questions they Might Have

As you may know, most good candidates will come to the interview with questions prepared. Just like it’s not always clear about specifics about their previous job and what it entailed, it’s not always clear to candidates what they can expect from your company as an employee.

Go over any updated benefit information before the interview so you can give them the most recent information and explain more in-depth any specific non-traditional benefits you offer. Often times throughout the interview, ask the candidate if they have any questions. Do so in an approachable way, therefore they feel confident asking questions.

Wrap up the interview by thanking them for their time and giving them your contact information in case they need to follow up about something. Giving them your contact information signals to the candidate that you are an approachable and accountable leader. Be transparent about the timeframe you will get back to them by and end the call.

Even though phone interviews can sometimes make you feel like you aren’t able to connect with the candidate, if you follow these tips you can learn ways to connect with your interviewee. Do your research before the interview, go into the interview with optimism and answer any questions they may have in an approachable way to ensure that you have the best chance possible of hiring the best candidate for the job!

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