The ultimate phone interview template (+ exact script)

For many companies the phone interview remains a critical stage, serving as the gateway to more in-depth assessments and interviews. 

Without the pressure of being "on camera," both interviewer and interviewee can focus on the conversation, resulting in a better flow of information and a more authentic portrayal of their skills and personality. 

While it’s a more relaxed setting, the way you conduct these phone interviews can significantly impact the quality of hires, your company's reputation, and even your ability to fill positions efficiently. 

And that’s exactly why we at Truffle have put together the ultimate phone interview template to help you nail this crucial step.

Prep for the phone interview

It’s clear to a candidate when an interviewer isn’t prepared. They haven’t read the resume, take long pauses between questions, and generally act as if the interview they’ve scheduled is a surprise.

Don’t let that be you. Set aside 10-15 minutes before the interview to prepare. You’ll have a better interview and candidate’s can immediately tell you’ve made an effort.

Don’t let that be you. Set aside 10-15 minutes before the interview to prepare. You’ll have a better interview and candidate’s can immediately tell you’ve made an effort.

Dive into their resume 

First things first, take a good look at the candidate’s resume. Highlight anything that jumps out at you—skills, experiences, or even hobbies that might be relevant. Make a note of any questions you want to ask. This way, when you’re on the call, you can steer the conversation in a way that’s meaningful and tailored to them.

Find Your zen space 

Just like you’d expect a candidate to find a quiet spot for the call, you should do the same. Make sure you’re in a place where you won’t be interrupted—no barking dogs or noisy coffee shops. And of course, make sure your phone connection is solid. A dropped call isn’t the best look, right?

Have your questions ready

While it’s great to keep the conversation natural, having a set of questions prepared will keep you on track. This also ensures that you’re asking the same core questions to all candidates, which is key for a fair hiring process.

Know what you want to get out of it

Are you looking to assess their technical skills, see if they’ll fit in with the team, or just confirm they’re a real person before moving them forward? (Just kidding—kind of!) Knowing your goal will help you keep the interview focused and productive.

Phone interview template

According to Zippia, phone interviews usually last around 15 minutes. With that in mind we created a phone interview template with six sections and a corresponding script.

Kick things off with a friendly introduction

• Start with a warm welcome:
  • Example: “Hey [Candidate’s Name], it’s so great to connect with you today! How’s it going?”
• Set the stage:
  • Example: “I thought we could start with quick intros, then I’ll ask you a few questions about your experience, and we’ll wrap up with any questions you have for me. Sound good?”

Give an overview of the company and role

• Introduce the company:
  • Example: “So, a bit about us—Truffle is all about [brief company description], and our mission is to [company mission]. We’re super passionate about what we do!”
• Talk about the role:
  • Example: “The role you’ve applied for is [job title], and it’s all about [brief role description]. It’s a really exciting position with a lot of growth potential.”

Dive into their experience

• Ask about their current or most recent roles:
  • Example: “Can you tell me a bit about your current/last role? What is/was your day-to-day like?”
• Clear Up Any Gaps:
  • Example: “I noticed there’s a gap in your work history between [date] and [date]. Could you fill me in on what was happening during that time?”

Understand culture fit and motivations 

• Talk culture fit:
  • Example: “What kind of environment allows you to do your best work?”
• Understand motivation:
  • Example: “What about this opportunity excites you the most?”

Give a sense of next steps

• Give them the floor for questions:
  • Example: “Do you have any questions for me? I’d love to clarify anything you’re curious about—whether it’s about the role, our team, or what happens next.”
• Outline what’s next:
  • Example: “Thanks so much for your time today! We’ll be reviewing candidates this week, and you can expect to hear back from us by [specific day]. If anything comes up in the meantime, feel free to shoot me an email!”

Why this phone interview template works

This template isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s designed to help you have a meaningful, flowing conversation that gives you real insight into the candidate.

Plus, it ensures that every candidate gets a fair shot by being assessed on the same criteria.

And here’s something to chew on: 58% of candidates reported turning down an offer because of a poor candidate experience.

A well-structured, friendly phone interview schedule template not only helps you spot the best talent but also leaves candidates with a positive impression.

Conclusion

With this ultimate phone interview template, you’ve got a straightforward, effective way to connect with candidates and find the right fit for your team. 

At Truffle, we believe the hiring process should be as enjoyable and efficient as possible—for you and for the candidates. So next time you’re gearing up for a phone interview, use this guide to keep things smooth, relaxed, and productive.

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