The Power of Voice in Interviews: Why Phone Conversations Trump Text Responses?

 Here are ten reasons why it might be better to get answers from candidates over a phone call rather than through written text:

1. Tone and Inflection: Voice allows you to hear the candidate’s tone and inflection, which can convey confidence, enthusiasm, hesitation, or other emotions that aren’t easily captured in text.

2. Immediate Clarification: If a candidate’s answer is unclear or incomplete, it’s easier to ask for clarification immediately during a phone call rather than going back and forth over text or email.

3. Build Rapport: Voice conversations can help build a personal connection and rapport between the interviewer and the candidate, fostering a more open and engaging conversation.

4. Evaluate Communication Skills: A phone conversation can give a better understanding of a candidate’s verbal communication skills, including clarity, articulation, and fluency.

5. Authentic Responses: Over the phone, candidates are more likely to give spontaneous and authentic answers, whereas written responses can be overly curated, edited, or even outsourced.

6. Efficiency: Phone calls can be quicker for discussing complex topics, as they allow for back-and-forth discussion without the delays inherent in written communication.

7. Assess Active Listening Skills: Over the phone, you can gauge how well a candidate listens and responds to questions, which is an important skill in many jobs.

8. Capture Nuances: Subtle nuances, like pauses or changes in tone, can provide insight into a candidate’s thought process, comfort level with a topic, or their level of honesty.

9. Tech Compatibility: Not all candidates may be comfortable or efficient with written digital communication, especially for roles that don’t prioritize this skill. A phone call can level the playing field.

10. Limit Distractions: On a phone call, it’s more challenging for candidates to multitask or look up answers online, ensuring that you’re getting their focused attention and genuine responses.

While phone interviews have many advantages, they may not replace the utility of written assessments or in-person interviews entirely. The best approach often combines various methods to get a holistic view of the candidate’s abilities and fit for the role.