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Instructor guide to dispatch an express phone interview by text message

This guide walks you through creating and setting up an express phone interview for your students.

Overview of the Express Phone Interview

The Express Phone Interview streamlines mock interview practice by allowing instructors to set up interviews and send a text message directly to the student. The student receives an AI‑powered phone screening that simulates real interview dynamics.

Instructors can customize the interviewer’s attitude (friendly, neutral, tough, supportive) to replicate different real‑world scenarios. This feature reduces technical barriers and increases accessibility for job seekers.


Example in Practice

Many school co‑op departments and career centres provide students with one‑on‑one résumé and interview preparation. Instructors can quickly set up an Express Phone Interview, selecting a supportive interviewer attitude.


The student receives a text invitation, joins the phone interview, and completes the session. Immediately afterward, they receive feedback on their performance. Instructors then review the interview report, noting gains in confidence and identifying areas for further coaching.


Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open Dispatch, Interview Dispatch

  • From Home or the left‑hand navigation, click Dispatch

  • Then select Interview Dispatch.

  • On the Dispatch a Mock Interview page, search for an existing student or click + Create Student to add a new one.


2. Choose Delivery Method

You can now send interviews by text or email.

  • Text: Enter the student’s phone number in the Interviewee Phone field. Once a valid number is entered, the Send Text to Interviewee button at the bottom of the form will become active. Click to dispatch the interview by text.

  • Email: Enter the student’s email address in the Interviewee Email field.

(For detailed steps on Instructors sending an express interview by email, click here.)


3. Add Interview Context

Personalize the interview by providing key details:

  • Enter the Job Title (search LinkedIn, Indeed (real job posting) or type any job title).

  • Optionally, attach the student's resume by clicking Add or Select a Resume.


4. Configure Interview Setup

Define how the interview will run:

  • Select the Interview Stage (e.g., Screening).

  • Assign an Interviewer.

  • Choose the Interviewer Attitude.

  • Review or edit the Screening Questions as needed.


5. Student Text Workflow

  • The student receives a text invitation with a link.

  • When they reply READY, the system launches the latest scheduled interview.

  • When they reply POST, the system shares the job posting set up by instructor/staff.

  • The student completes the phone interview and receives immediate feedback via a report.

Once the interview is complete, staff can:

  • Review the interview report.

  • Track student progress and confidence.

  • Identify areas for further coaching.


Common Questions

  • If a student receives multiple text invitations, the most recent interview link will overwrite previous ones.

  • When the student replies READY, the system launches the latest scheduled interview.

  • When the student 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 instructor/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 students who have received a phone call and their progress.


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