“We would like to set up a phone interview with Mr. Smith. Please find out his availability.”

“Mr. Smith is available today at 5:00 pm and also Wednesday between 3:00pm – 5:00 pm.”

“That will not work because the VP of Operations is out Wednesday and unavailable for today.”

“We called Mr. Smith again and he said he has an opening on Thursday at lunch around 12:00.”

“So sorry, the VP has a lunch appointment on Thursday. What availability does Mr. Smith have for next week?”

No more “Who’s on First” with the phone interviews. Narrow down the time-frames people. Give us a time and the candidates are more than resourceful with finding a broom closet to have their phone interview. When you give a day and range it makes you look prepared and interested. It makes you seem organized and serious about making a hire.

There is a small window of opportunity for the stars to align and have two working people sit down for a 30 minute conversation via telephone. We don’t even speak to our own families for 30 minutes a day and now you have to make time for a stranger you may or may not be interested in hiring. But, there is even a smaller window of opportunity to make a first impression with your phone interview.

The first step is just getting the day and time set. The second step is being prepared with [tag]resume[/tag] in hand and a list of questions. When you end the conversation, let the [tag]Candidate[/tag] know if you would possibly like to speak to them again in the next couple of days or even fly them in for an in person [tag]interview[/tag]. Give closure.

Candidates will speak before work, during lunch and even after [tag]work[/tag]. If you want a position filled, flexibility can be found. Simple acts of organization can literally pull back the curtains for you and open the glass panes of possibility wide open.