Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.
01
Evaluation factor
Body of work
35% weight
Ask for a demo reel plus named credits: broadcast spots, e-learning modules, audiobook titles, IVR systems, game characters. Check whether they hold union or non-union work and repeat clients.
Evidence to listen for
Has work that exists publicly and can be checked
States what they made versus what they contributed to
Can talk about range as well as their signature style
Knows how the work was received and by whom
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Nothing finished or public; describes intentions rather than output.
2
Needs Improvement
Small or unverifiable body of work; unclear personal contribution.
3
Satisfactory
Real output with adequate range; reception described vaguely.
4
Very Good
Substantial verifiable work with clear ownership and range.
5
Excellent
Presents a varied reel with identifiable brands, series or ACX titles, and names clients who booked them repeatedly.
02
Evaluation factor
Craft and technique
25% weight
Probe range and vocal control: cold reads, character work, accent authenticity, breath and plosive management, matching a director's adjustment on the second take.
Evidence to listen for
Can discuss technique concretely rather than in terms of feel or vibe
Names influences and what they took from each
Explains a deliberate choice and the effect it was for
Knows their own weak areas and what they do about them
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
No technical vocabulary; cannot discuss choices behind the work.
2
Needs Improvement
Talks in generalities; choices sound accidental.
3
Satisfactory
Solid craft with some ability to explain decisions.
4
Very Good
Articulate about technique and deliberate about effect.
5
Excellent
Demonstrates distinct reads (conversational, narration, hard sell) and adjusts pace, pitch or energy instantly on direction.
03
Evaluation factor
Reliability and process
25% weight
Test their home setup and turnaround: microphone and interface models, treated booth, DAW used for editing, delivery specs (WAV 48k, -3dB peak, mouth-click removal), retake policy.
Evidence to listen for
Meets deadlines and briefs, with evidence
Handles revisions and direction without ego
Describes how they work when the brief is vague or changes late
Has repeat clients, bookings, or collaborators
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Misses commitments; cannot take direction.
2
Needs Improvement
Inconsistent delivery; defensive about revisions.
3
Satisfactory
Reliable on clear briefs; struggles when direction shifts.
4
Very Good
Consistently delivers and adapts; repeat collaborators.
5
Excellent
Names their signal chain and room treatment, delivers files to spec within stated turnaround, and handles pickups without charge disputes.
04
Evaluation factor
Presence with an audience
15% weight
Judge how they work with a live director on Source-Connect or Zoom sessions, take notes, and hold performance stamina across long audiobook or dubbing days.
Evidence to listen for
Comfortable performing or presenting on demand, including cold
Reads a room and adjusts
Handles a bad night, a difficult client, or a hostile crowd without unravelling
Represents the employer well in front of others
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Cannot perform or present on request; unravels under pressure.
2
Needs Improvement
Rigid delivery; no read of the room.
3
Satisfactory
Competent in familiar settings; less adaptable in new ones.
4
Very Good
Strong presence and adapts to the room.
5
Excellent
Stays responsive and unflappable in directed sessions, absorbs script changes calmly, and sustains consistent tone across multi-hour recordings.
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