Response Screening Guide

You'll get lots of responses to your audition post. This guide helps you screen them efficiently and identify the best candidates.

Why Screen Responses?

With screening:

• Save time
• Focus on best candidates
• Identify red flags early
• Efficient process
• Better matches

Without screening:

• Waste time on bad fits
• Miss good candidates
• Inefficient
• Frustrating
• Poor results

Screening Process

Step 1: Initial Review (2 minutes per response)

Quick assessment:

• Do they meet minimum requirements?
• Any obvious red flags?
• Worth further consideration?

Decision:

• Pass (move to Step 2)
• Maybe (review later)
• No (polite rejection)

Step 2: Detailed Review (5 minutes per response)

Thorough assessment:

• Review all information
• Check links/samples
• Assess fit
• Note questions

Decision:

• Yes (invite to phone screen)
• Maybe (need more info)
• No (polite rejection)

Step 3: Phone Screen (15-20 minutes)

Brief conversation:

• Verify basics
• Assess communication
• Check availability
• Gauge interest

Decision:

• Yes (invite to audition)
• No (polite rejection)

Initial Screening Checklist

Minimum Requirements

Do they meet all minimum requirements?

• Skill level
• Experience
• Availability
• Location
• Equipment
• Other: _______________

If no, automatic pass

Response Quality

Is the response:

• Complete (answered all questions)
• Clear (easy to understand)
• Professional (appropriate tone)
• Personalized (not copy-paste)
• Enthusiastic (shows interest)

Red flags:

• Incomplete
• Vague
• Unprofessional
• Generic
• Unenthusiastic

Communication

Does the response show:

• Good writing skills
• Attention to detail
• Followed instructions
• Appropriate tone
• Genuine interest

Red flags:

• Poor writing
• Didn't follow instructions
• Inappropriate tone
• Generic response

Detailed Screening Checklist

Experience & Skills

What's their experience?

• Years playing: _______________
• Bands: _______________
• Shows: _______________
• Recording: _______________
• Relevant experience: _______________

Assessment:

• Exceeds requirements
• Meets requirements
• Below requirements

Availability & Commitment

What's their availability?

• Rehearsal: _______________
• Shows: _______________
• Touring: _______________
• Time commitment: _______________

Assessment:

• Fully available
• Mostly available
• Limited availability
• Unclear

Red flags:

• Vague about availability
• Many conflicts
• Can't commit to schedule

Musical Fit

Do they fit musically?

• Genre experience: _______________
• Influences: _______________
• Style: _______________
• Goals: _______________

Assessment:

• Excellent fit
• Good fit
• Okay fit
• Poor fit

Personality Indicators

What does response suggest about personality?

• Tone: _______________
• Attitude: _______________
• Professionalism: _______________
• Enthusiasm: _______________

Positive signs:

• Positive tone
• Professional
• Enthusiastic
• Humble
• Collaborative language

Red flags:

• Negative tone
• Arrogant
• Unenthusiastic
• Entitled
• "I" focused (not "we")

Samples & Links

Did they provide:

• Audio samples
• Video samples
• Social media links
• Website/EPK
• References

Quality assessment:

• Skill level: _______________
• Production quality: _______________
• Style fit: _______________
• Professionalism: _______________

Red Flags

Check for red flags:

• Doesn't meet requirements
• Poor communication
• Unprofessional
• Negative attitude
• Arrogant
• Vague or evasive
• Bad-mouths former bands
• Unrealistic expectations
• Too many conflicts
• Concerning social media
• Other: _______________

If multiple red flags, pass

Response Categories

Category A: Strong Yes

Characteristics:

• Meets all requirements
• Excellent communication
• Strong samples
• Good fit
• Enthusiastic
• Professional
• No red flags

Action: Invite to phone screen immediately

Category B: Yes

Characteristics:

• Meets requirements
• Good communication
• Decent samples
• Seems like good fit
• Professional
• Minor concerns

Action: Invite to phone screen

Category C: Maybe

Characteristics:

• Meets most requirements
• Okay communication
• Some concerns
• Need more information
• Could be good fit

Action: Request more information or review later

Category D: No

Characteristics:

• Doesn't meet requirements
• Poor communication
• Red flags
• Not a fit
• Unprofessional

Action: Polite rejection

Phone Screen Questions

If they pass initial screening:

Opening

"Hi name, thanks for your interest in band. I wanted to have a quick conversation to learn more about you and answer any questions you have. Do you have 15-20 minutes?"

Verification Questions

1. "Tell me about your experience with instrument/genre."

What you're learning:

• Actual experience
• Communication skills
• Enthusiasm

2. "What's your availability for rehearsals and shows?"

What you're learning:

• Actual availability
• Commitment level
• Conflicts

3. "What are you looking for in a band?"

What you're learning:

• Goals
• Expectations
• Fit

4. "Why are you interested in our band?"

What you're learning:

• Did they research you?
• Genuine interest
• Alignment

5. "Tell me about your last band. Why did you leave?"

What you're learning:

• History
• How they talk about others
• Red flags

Assessment Questions

6. "How do you handle feedback or criticism?"

What you're learning:

• Coachability
• Ego
• Maturity

7. "Describe your ideal band dynamic."

What you're learning:

• Expectations
• Values
• Fit

8. "What questions do you have for me?"

What you're learning:

• Engagement
• Priorities
• Thoughtfulness

Closing

"Thanks for your time. We're talking to a few people and will get back to you by date about next steps."

Phone Screen Assessment

After call, rate:

Communication (1-5): ___

• Clear, articulate, good listener

Fit (1-5): ___

• Aligns with goals, values, style

Enthusiasm (1-5): ___

• Genuinely interested, excited

Professionalism (1-5): ___

• Professional, respectful, prepared

Red Flags (Yes/No): ___

• Any concerns or red flags?

Total Score: ___/20

Decision:

• 16-20: Strong yes, invite to audition
• 12-15: Yes, invite to audition
• 8-11: Maybe, discuss with band
• Below 8: No, polite rejection

Response Templates

Request for More Information

Subject: Re: Band Name Audition

Hi Name,

Thanks for your interest in band name. We'd like to learn more about you.

Could you please provide:

• Specific information needed
• Specific information needed

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best, Your name

Invitation to Phone Screen

Subject: Next Steps - Band Name Audition

Hi Name,

Thanks for your interest in band name. We'd like to schedule a brief phone conversation to learn more about you and answer any questions.

Are you available for a 15-20 minute call this week? Please send a few times that work for you.

Looking forward to talking.

Best, Your name

Invitation to Audition

Subject: Audition Invitation - Band Name

Hi Name,

Thanks for taking the time to talk. We'd like to invite you to audition.

Details:

• Date: Date
• Time: Time
• Location: Location
• What to prepare: Songs/material

Please confirm you can make it and let me know if you have any questions.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Best, Your name

Polite Rejection

Subject: Re: Band Name Audition

Hi Name,

Thanks for your interest in band name. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out.

After reviewing all responses, we've decided to move forward with other candidates who are a closer fit for what we're looking for.

We wish you the best in finding the right band.

Best, Your name

Screening Tips

1. Screen Quickly

Don't overthink initial screening:

• 2 minutes per response
• Quick yes/no/maybe
• Move fast

2. Look for Red Flags

Trust your gut:

• If something feels off, it probably is
• Red flags don't go away
• Better to pass than regret

3. Prioritize Communication

Good communication matters:

• Indicates professionalism
• Predicts future interactions
• Essential for band function

4. Check Samples

Always review samples:

• Verify skill level
• Assess style fit
• Check professionalism

5. Be Responsive

Respond promptly:

• Within 2-3 days
• Shows professionalism
• Respects their time

6. Keep Records

Track all responses:

• Who you contacted
• What stage they're at
• Notes and assessments
• Decisions made

Key Takeaways

1. Screen in stages - Initial, detailed, phone screen
2. Check minimum requirements first - Save time
3. Look for red flags - Trust your gut
4. Assess communication - Indicates professionalism
5. Phone screen before audition - Verify fit
6. Be responsive - Respect their time
7. Keep records - Track all candidates

Effective screening saves time and helps you identify the best candidates. Use this guide to screen responses efficiently.