As a person who was recently interviewed over the phone as a reference, I can share something that will come as no surprise: I was easily distracted during the phone call by stuff going around in the office… and yes, looking at the computer, checking email, all that stuff.
I think I had to repeat or rephrase a couple of answers because of the limitations of doing this over the phone.
Used to be the company security office would set the investigator up with an office or conference room and we’d meet one-on-one. That way I did not have any distractions… and neither did the investigator.
Like I say, I dont expect anyone will be surprised by this but thought I’d chime in.