Telephone Interviews: An Effective Way to Conduct Interviews
Telephone interviews have become an increasingly popular tool for researchers, hiring managers, and more recently, surveyors. This method of interviewing has several advantages, such as convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the potential to reach a wider audience. This article will discuss the benefits of telephone interviews, the different types of telephone interviews, and the drawbacks of using this method of data collection.
Benefits of Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews provide a convenient and cost-effective method of data collection, as they can be conducted virtually anywhere with minimal setup. This benefit is especially useful for researchers who are unable to travel to the interview location. Additionally, telephone interviews give the interviewer more control over the environment of the interview, allowing them to create an atmosphere that is conducive to gathering accurate data.
Another benefit of telephone interviews is the potential to reach a wider audience. By using telephone interviews, interviewers can access individuals who may be geographically distant, have limited mobility, or may not have access to the internet or other forms of communication. This allows researchers to gather data from a more diverse group of individuals, which can lead to more accurate results.
Types of Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews can be divided into two main categories: structured and unstructured. Structured telephone interviews are designed to gather specific data, and generally involve predetermined questions that are asked in a particular order. These types of interviews are often used in research studies and other forms of data collection. Unstructured telephone interviews, on the other hand, involve more open-ended questions and allow the interviewer to explore topics more deeply. Unstructured interviews are often used in hiring processes, as they can help to uncover additional information about a potential candidate.
Drawbacks of Telephone Interviews
Despite the many advantages of telephone interviews, there are also some drawbacks that should be considered. The most significant drawback is the lack of physical contact between the interviewer and the interviewee. This can make it difficult to build rapport and establish trust, which can be important when gathering sensitive information. Additionally, it can be difficult to assess body language and facial expressions, which can provide valuable insights into the interviewee’s responses.
Conclusion
Telephone interviews are a convenient and cost-effective way to conduct interviews. This method of data collection has many benefits, such as the ability to access a wider audience and the potential to create a conducive environment for accurate data gathering. Additionally, telephone interviews can be divided into two main categories: structured and unstructured. While there are many advantages to using telephone interviews, it is important to consider the drawbacks of this method, such as the lack of physical contact and the difficulty of assessing body language and facial expressions.
References
Amar, P. (2012). Benefits and drawbacks of telephone interviewing. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-drawbacks-telephone-interviewing-60758.html
Mathis, M. (2017). Structured vs. unstructured interview. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/structured-vs-unstructured-interview-1918079
O’Flynn, M., & Whelan, D. (2013). Telephone interviewing. In C. R. Williams & M. O’Flynn (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of survey methodology (pp. 433-443). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.