Familiarize yourself with the specific job description and qualifications.
Understand salary range and specific budget.
Review the candidate’s resume and identify areas which may require clarification.
Have a standardized interview format in place.
Conduct the phone screen
Brief introduction
Thank them for their interest.
Review position (duties, location, travel) and department structure.
Reason for position becoming available.
Have candidate walk you through resume at a high level.
What specifically caught your interest in the opportunity?
Reconfirm that they meet minimum education requirements.
How does your experience fit with this role (duties or particular program)?
Why are you exploring new opportunities at this time? How did you reach this decision?
Identify 1-2 required competencies for the position and ask specific questions related to the competencies.
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? If so, will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?
Confirm their comfort level with location/commute, willingness to travel (if applicable) and understanding of schedule.
What are your salary expectations for this role?
If offered the opportunity, how soon would you be able to start in role from a point of offer?
How far along are you in the interview process for other opportunities you may be actively pursuing?
Before closing the conversation, give the candidate the opportunity to ask you questions.