Today, more and more companies are conducting Telephone Pre-Screen Interviews, and with good reason. It saves time and provides hiring managers with the opportunity to conduct face-to-face interviews exclusively with qualified candidates.

Telephone Interviews provide candidates with the opportunity to learn about the specifics of the position being discussed; without driving to an interview, filling out a job application, or sitting in an unqualified face-to-face interview for 60 minutes.

Whenever conducting either a formal or informal telephone interview, you should always go in with a "goal" in mind. Your goal should be to get to the face to face interview, or if conducting a final interview over the telephone, close for the job. Some examples of "closing statements" are below:

Your preference should always be to conduct all telephone interviews over a land line vs. a mobile line. Never conduct a telephone interview over a speakerphone. If you cannot talk freely when a hiring manager calls, be poised and request an off-hours time when you can speak freely.

Always be ENTHUSIASTIC and have some prepared fact finding, rapport building, closing and qualifying questions next to the telephone (examples of which are below).

Opening Questions

• Ashley Grant of Executive Dynamics called me up and told me a little bit about your position. Can you tell me more?
• What are the "On-Target Earnings at Plan"?
• How long have you been with the XYZ company (rapport building)?
• Oh, by the way, what is your background (rapport building)?
• What are the key elements you are looking for in a successful Sales Representative (Sales Exec, Field Applications Engineer, etc.) for the XYZ Corporation? (this is the most important question you can ask early-on in the interview)

Closing

• I liked everything I've seen and heard so far. When can we get together for a face to face meeting?
• I liked everything that we talked about today. I'd like to take the next step. What's the next step?
• I liked everything that we talked about today. I'd like to move forward and take the next step. I am available Wednesday or Friday of this week. Which would you prefer?

Lastly, be prepared for the question " Tell Me About Yourself " and without exception, always CLOSE the hiring manager and ask for a face to face meeting. It's expected. Also, check out expectations When a Manager is Calling and When a Candidate is Calling

.