A phone screen interview is perhaps one of the simpler parts of the interviewing process when you apply for a new job, but it is also your first chance to make an impression on an interviewer. The phone interview process happens quickly and only lasts for a few heartbeats, or up to 30 minutes at most, but the quality of the conversation determines whether the interviewer will give you a real shot at applying for the job. These conversations eliminate the element of visual cues so it’s a little easier to handle compared to an interview in person or over a video call, but that does not diminish the importance of a phone interview.
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Purpose of a Phone Screen Interview—Understanding the Why Before We Get Into the How
When you apply for an open position at an organization, the first conversation with the recruiter occurs in the form of a phone screen interview. The recruiter takes a preliminary glance at your resume and then makes a call to talk to you to discuss basic details before they process your application. The phone screen interview is a one-on-one conversation between you and the recruiter to assess your basic eligibility for the position you have applied for, allowing them to evaluate whether you have the right background experience for the role.
The phone interview screening does not involve an actual evaluation of your skills—you don’t have to answer too many profound questions or strategize just yet considering the later stages are reserved for that assessment. Instead, these interviews explore your ability to hold up a basic conversation and explain the details mentioned in your application.
Some interviewers also use the opportunity to understand your interest in the role and what your basic expectations are from it. The purpose of a phone interview is to fluff up the two-dimensional details on the CV and see the complete picture of who you are and how your abilities align with the company. The importance of a phone screen interview is self-evident when you consider it includes details like:
- Educational qualifications
- Years of experience
- Type of work experience and examples of projects
- Reasons for leaving the last job
- Area of residence and willingness to relocate to the company’s headquarters
- Salary expectations
- Software and technical tools used at your last job
- Reason for interest in the new role
- Introduction to the company and a reminder of the job description
- Your comfort levels with key aspects of the role such as unusual working shifts that coincide with international teams
How to Handle a Phone Screen Interview
If you’re determined to find a new job, then you need to be prepared for the phone interview process as soon as you send your resume and application to the organization. These phone interview screenings are occasionally scheduled in advance, but the callbacks usually happen unexpectedly. Of course, you do have the option to reschedule the conversation if you’re in the middle of your current job, but being prepared is still a good idea.
Phone screen interviews are usually conducted within a few days of receiving the application instead of waiting for a huge stack of them to pile up before they begin. The first round helps recruiters assess whether to add you to the shortlist or not. Once the shortlist is created, the time between test rounds might grow longer as they begin to remove candidates after the full group is tested at each stage. Thankfully, there are some quick ways to prepare for the phone interview process.
Remember the companies you are applying for: When you apply to multiple companies at one go and then pick up the phone sounding confused about which company is calling, it can reflect poorly on you. It can also make it harder for you to ask relevant questions during the phone call. Create a brief list of all the companies you’re applying to and note down a few questions after you send in your application. Since these calls are often audio-only, you can refer to your phone or written notes quickly as you go.
Practice introducing yourself: Most phone screen interviews are brief and do not have time for a deep dive into your work history. However, your introduction still needs to be impactful. If you’re fresh out of college you can mention your degree, but otherwise, your introduction can focus on your last few job roles and how they are relevant to the one you are applying for. Getting some practice will be very useful when you receive the call unexpectedly.
Be confident when you answer: Interviews are unnerving whether they’re online or in person. You have to maintain a calm demeanor and answer with confidence. Especially when the topic turns to your reason for leaving your job or why there’s a gap in your resume, be prepared to answer confidently and without hesitation.
You don’t have to be apologetic as there is nothing wrong with either of these situations. All you need to do is present a reason and draw attention to how you’re ready to get back to work and move on to the next stage in your career.
Be clear about your expectations: When you apply for a job, take some time out to assess the standard pay for such jobs to ensure you’re aware of the industry offerings. If you’re asked about salary, you don’t always have to state a number and can instead indicate that you are open to negotiations. Still, if you want to ensure that your basic expectations are met, you can name an amount or ask what they are willing to offer for the role.
Be direct with your responses: When the recruiter presents you with questions during the phone screen interview, it is better to have clear, concise responses. Do not be curt and answer in one line but don’t go into great detail when you’re asked about your expectations or career goals. Focus on the 2-3 points that are of primary importance.
Ask questions when prompted: If you have the opportunity to ask questions, take it. Enquiring after the role and the company as a whole shows interest in the business and gives you more information about the position you’re applying for. If you don’t have any questions about the job specifically, you can explore what your day-to-day work routine is going to be or what the rest of the hiring process will look like at the least.
Sample Phone Screening Interview Questions
When you’re gearing up for the phone interview process, you can practice with a few questions so you’re more confident about your replies.
- Can you tell me about your relevant experience for this role?
- What motivated you to apply for this particular job opening?
- The job is for an offline, in-person role. Are you sure you will be able to relocate to take up the role?
- What do you know about our company and this industry?
- You’ve worked in a different industry for the last few years. Do you think your skills will translate to match the role?
- Are you comfortable working with tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?
- We work in a very team-centric setup. How do you feel about working in big groups?
- Can you give me some examples of the kind of projects you’ve worked on?
- How familiar are you with using [name of app/software]?
- What are your salary expectations for this position?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a change in priorities or direction?
- What is your management style and how has it worked for you so far?
- Is there a reason you’re looking to move to a new position?
- This role involves a lot of client-facing assignments. Do you feel up to the task?
- The work can be very demanding. Are you able to manage your time well in your current role?
- How extensive is your understanding of [topic]?
- If everything goes smoothly, how quickly do you think you’ll be able to join us?
- Does this role fit in with your long-term plans and career goals?
- Do you have any questions for me about the role or the company?
- Is there any reason as of now that would prevent you from taking up this role?
The list appears to be long but an interviewer will rarely spend time asking you all of these questions in a phone interview screening. The purpose of a phone interview is only to gain a preliminary understanding of your profile so take comfort in knowing that it will be over before you know it.