In a recent Wall Street Journal article titled "The New Trouble on the Line", the writer provided keen details on how important phone interviews are to the process. I know many of our clients are conducting highly detailed and multiple phone interviews. This article brought back a flurry of memories and reminds us how important it is to prep people for the phone interview(s).

The extensive nature of the interview is not limited to full time employees. We also find more extensive interviews for contractors/consultants. Years ago, the interview process for contractors/consultants was limited to picking apart their skills and “could they accomplish a specific set of task”. Now it has evolved into a deeper digging into the behavioral "fit" by the client.

I for one will press upon my team to prep people for the phone interview as if it is the final interview. Recruiter must prepare candidates and have them focused. A few tips for a successful phone interview:

1. Set aside the appropriate time and plan for it to run over
2. Select a quiet place (the car or ducking into a conference room is not suggested)
3. Have "war stories" / examples of accomplishments ready (in short 2-3 minute excerpts)
4. Be Prepared; know information on the client, the job, the person the candidate is speaking with (LinkedIn is a great resource for researching people)
5. Ask to be forwarded to the in person interview or appropriate step!

Have fun and make many placements!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124390348922474789.html