What's your opinion of telephone interviews?

[dmallind]

5. An alternate view

From both sides of the desk I have found them useful and comfortable screens. That's what they almost always are - to narrow down the field before you invite the real possibles to interviews in person. In-person interviews take much more time and effort on both sides, and I'va always appreciated being spared that until it comes down to the final choice. The longer the better I always found - again on both sides. If there is no sign of a good fit, phone interviews tend to be short. Examples like yours - 1hr leading to a 2hr in person - just mean you were one of the last handful.

In my last job search I was flown in, at company expense, to Seattle, Miami and here by 3 separate companies, after several long phone interviews with each. I was only offered the one job - but obviously just missed the other 2. It happens. Phone interviews are an important step on the way. The only time I would be a bit suspect with them is if we're talking about the kind of lower level "apply in person from 8-5" type of jobs.