A telephonic interview is a first level hiring technique and especially used for screening out of town candidates. For technical positions in software development, telephonic interviews are probably more suitable than for job descriptions which are customer facing. A quick overview of the candidate can be achieved by spending less time and without getting involved in other logistical issues.

Interviewing is a skill that one learns by experience, and constant feedback from the process of interviewing itself. Nevertheless, it is useful to follow some guidelines for conducting telephonic interviews.

·        Time slot. It is good to fix a slot of time beforehand, so that both parties are prepared and candidate is reached at an appropriate time and place of his/her choice.

·        Phones. Though mobile phones are ubiquitous, the connection quality and reception are scratchy at times, and it can ruin an interview if the line keeps dropping or sound quality is bad. So the best arrangement would be for both parties to have landlines. If that is not possible, let the candidate have the privilege of being able to use mobile phone.

·        Time limit. Most interviews take at least half an hour, and some can extend to more than an hour. If you do expect that the interview might stretch to more than an hour, it is better to let the candidate know beforehand, and also at beginning of interview.

·        Structure. If you want to do a quick point-by-point check on candidate’s ability on specific skills, then it is only appropriate to let the candidate know about the nature of interview at the beginning. Care must still be taken that there is some element of discussion too; otherwise it may all too readily seem like interrogation.

·        Materials and Preparation. Have resume of candidate, notebook etc readily accessible during the interview. It is not a good idea to call up the candidate and then search for the resume in your email box or in files stored on your computer. Having a printed copy is a handy option and also good for taking notes on resume itself.