A. Overview of the Express Phone Interview
The Express Phone Interview streamlines mock interview practice by allowing staff to set up interviews and send a text message directly to the client. The client receives an AI‑powered phone screening that simulates real interview dynamics.
Staff can customize the interviewer’s “attitude” (friendly, neutral, tough, supportive) to replicate different real‑world scenarios. This feature reduces technical barriers and increases job seekers' accessibility.
B. Example in Practice
A client without regular computer access is preparing to apply for a retail role. Staff set up an Express Phone Interview, selecting a “supportive” interviewer attitude.
The client receives a text message to join the phone interview, responds, and completes the session. Shortly thereafter, the client receives immediate feedback on their interview performance. Staff review the interview report, noting improved confidence and identifying areas for further coaching.
C. Steps to Create an Express Phone Interview for your Client
1. Start from Home
Log in to your InStage account (InStage Login).
From the Home page, click Create Assignment.
Alternatively, use the left-hand sidebar to access Create Assignment directly.
Ref Image: Home page overview showing the dashboard with “Create Assignment” as the primary action.
2. Select Mock Interview
On the Create Assignment screen, choose Mock Interview.
Ref Image: Select Mock Interview as the primary action.
A pop-up will appear with two choices:
1) Create Full Assignment
2) Create Express Interview
Select Create Express Interview.
Ref Image: Highlights the Mock Interview pop-up with the option to Create Express Interview as the primary action.
3. Enter Interviewee Details
On the Create Express Phone Interview screen, fill in the client’s First Name and Phone Number.
Select the correct State Code from the dropdown.
(Optional) Upload the client’s resume.
This allows the interviewer to weave in experience-based questions.
Ref Image: Interviewee details form showing fields for name, phone, resume, and job title suggestions.
4. Enter or select the Job Title.
You can type directly (e.g., “Construction Manager”) or choose from suggested roles.
You can take any external job posting and copy and paste into the Job Description box that will appear once the Job Title is entered.
Paste the Job Description from an external posting (e.g., Indeed). The system auto‑formats the text.
Example of external job posting for Construction Manager:
Enter the external job description entered into form:
5. Customize Interview Settings
Choose the Interviewer (e.g., Nina).
Select the Interviewer Attitude (Friendly, Neutral, Tough, Supportive).
Once details are entered, click Create Interview & Send Text to Interviewee.
7. Create Interview & Send Text to Interviewee
Once you click on Create Interview & Send Text to Interviewee, the interviewee will receive a text message:
Hi {Name}, {Name of Institution} has lined up an AI mock screening interview call for you for the position of {Job Title}. I can send you the job posting details, or we can jump right into the call.
Reply POST to see the job details first, or reply READY to start the call. This invite expires in 48 hours.
Reply STOP to opt out.
If the client replies READY, they receive a call to complete the interview.
After completion, a report is generated and shared with both the client and staff.
This action immediately sends a text message to the client with instructions to join the Express Phone Interview.
8. Review and Monitor
Under the Express Interview section, track which clients have received and completed interviews.
Review the generated Interview Report.
Use the feedback to guide coaching sessions and monitor progress.
Ref Image: Express Interview section will track who has received and completed an express phone interview.
D. Commonly Asked Questions
If a client receives multiple text invitations, the most recent interview link will overwrite previous ones.
When the client replies READY, the system launches the latest scheduled interview.
When the client replies POST, the system will share the job posting that the staff member has set up for them.
Express Phone Interview assignments are linked to the staff member who created them. To view all phone interview assignments, follow the same steps to access the Express Interview creator. From there, you can open the Express Interview Summary section, which displays the clients who have received a phone call and their progress.
