Phone/In-Person Interview Tips
Phone Screening
Why phone screen?
It helps you avoid wasting time interviewing “poor fit” candidates in person.
What should keep in mind?
- You are Arbor Acres’ ambassador to this candidate. They should leave the interview telling people what a great company we are (even if they don’t move on to the next step.) Imagine if all our candidates found us 3 other candidates!
- If they aren’t a fit, thank them and end the conversation at any time. No need to waste extra time.
What should I ask them?
- Ask about money first – you don’t want to find they are paid twice as much after wasting 10 minutes on an interview. Don’t ask “what do you make”; say: “Our job will pay around $X. What kind of pay are you looking for?” If they are way off, encourage them to move on, but if they are “close” talk about our culture and benefits!
- Ask about schedule or other KEY areas second. Don’t tell them our schedule up-front! Instead, ask what you would need to work around in theirs, or what their preferred schedule is. They will always say “yes” to our schedule, but that doesn’t mean they want to work it or will do so long term. (This is giving them permission to be honest.)
- Work with HR to come up with one or two behavioral based questions that can help you screen the candidates. It is good to be consistent. Another good area to ask about is “reasons for leaving” – You can learn a lot when asking about this. Use your STAR method.
- If you like them, go ahead and schedule an in-person interview while on the phone.
In-Person Interviews
What should keep in mind?
- You are Arbor Acres’ ambassador to this candidate. (see phone screen info above)
- If they aren’t a fit, thank them and nicely end the conversation at any time. No need to waste extra time.
- Comfortable candidates talk more and are less guarded. So, chat a little first and make them feel that this is a no-stress situation.
- Don’t tell them what YOU are looking for until AFTER the interview. It hints to them what you want to hear from them, and it is better to get their REAL feelings. Also, why talk about the job if they end up to not be a fit.
- AFTER the interview (if you like them), provide them a brief summary of the job and include the things that often people DON’T like about the job. Some people may drop out and that is OK.
- Leave them feeling good about you and Arbor Acres – Come up with a short sales pitch about you/the company/the job.
What should I ask?
Work with HR to come up with your interview question list. In general talking about reasons for leaving and asking for past examples will allow you to use the CAR formula to dig in and get a full picture of how they have worked in the past. If their answer is unclear, dig in or note that their answer is fuzzy.