In today’s market controlled by employers, it’s critical to be efficient and effective in our hiring process. With an abundance of resumes filling our inboxes, many companies begin the hiring process with a telephone screening. Certainly we probe for content – the verbal – but we must also carefully tune in to the vocal. So, what do you look for?

Look for the Big Five Voice Giveaways:

1. Articulation and Enunciation – can you understand him?

2. Pitch – is she comfortable to listen to?

3. Conceptualization – can he express concepts rather than information only?

4. Use of Language – does she select the appropriate words and phrases (specific to your industry, the customers you serve and the open position)?

5. Involvement – can he build rapport and connect on a personal level?

You should also listen for energy, appropriate enthusiasm and an ability to follow and guide the conversation. Do they listen well? Are they believable and persuasive?

If all goes well, you’ll likely meet them in person…where the visual evaluation begins! Then, shift your focus to assess eye communication, posture, gestures and expression. More on that later…