If you are job searching, are you prepared to sell yourself on a phone pre-screening call? If you are in the midst of a job search, keep in mind, hiring managers may prefer to chat with you by phone before moving forward in the interviewing process.
Recruiters use these types of phone calls to pre-screen candidates prior to inviting them to a formal interview. These calls can range in length from 15 to 30 minutes and generally include similar questions as job interviews (e.g., “tell me about yourself”, “what attracted you to this role”, “what are your strengths” etc.).
While shorter than a typical job interview, pre-screening calls should still be taken seriously. Follow these tips to nail your next pre-interview screening call.
#1 – Collect your materials
Pre-screenings are a great opportunity to show a hiring manager that you are both a good fit for a role, and that you are knowledgeable about the role and company. Therefore, for your interview, have the following documents close at hand:
- Your resume
- Your cover letter
- The job posting
- Summary of key facts about the company
- Bullet point notes of key professional experiences you can use to help illustrate your questions (refer to this article for the STARF method for answering interview questions)
Think of these documents as your safety net, not a script. If you get stuck on a question, you can quickly glance at the necessary information to help prompt you in the right direction.
#2 – Do your research
Before any job interview or screening call, it’s a good idea to research the organization and role thoroughly. Not only will this help answer the possible question “what do you know about our organization”, but it will also help you have more informed conversations. Some things to look into ahead of time include who it is that will be screening you, the organization’s age, size, mission statement, and programs and services.
#3 – Prepare questions
Pre-interview screenings and interviews are a two-way street. They are a chance for both the organization and you to see if this partnership is a good match. Asking questions at the end of an interview helps to display your interest in the role and how you prepared for the screening, while also serving as an opportunity for you to gather more information. This will help you make an informed decision if the role and/or organization is a good fit for you – in some cases, job seekers may even bow out of the interview process after a pre-screening call, based on what they learned in it. Read this article for the 5 types of questions you should ask at the end of a job interview.
#4 – Find the right environment
Set yourself up for success by ensuring you are in a calm, quiet, and private environment. A home office, bedroom, or even a parked car, in a pinch, are all good options. Some places to avoid are common areas of your house (if you live with others), cafes, and/or your current workplace office. Finally, do a technology check and ensure your phone is charged.
#5 – Treat it like an interview
When pre-screening over the phone, you should still act as if it were in-person or over video. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident, smile as you are talking, and try to sit up straight in a chair, ideally at a desk. Likewise, don’t be too casual in your language and conversation. Of course, engage in some small talk, and show enthusiasm for the role, but always engage with the professionalism you would bring to a formal interview.
#6 Send a follow-up email
As the screening call wraps up, thank the hiring manager before hanging up. Then, send a thank-you email. This should extend your gratitude for the initial call, as well as work to continue your professional relationship. Read this article on how to write a post-interview email.
Final thoughts
Pre-screening calls, while not always a part of the hiring process, are something you should still be prepared for. After your resume, it is your first opportunity to make a real impression on the hiring manager or a potential future colleague. We hope these tips help you to ace your next phone pre-screening call and help you find success in your job search!
Julia Halabourda is an experienced Burnaby art and recreation programmer, educator (focus in the fine arts and theatre), and nonprofit writer. She has her Bachelor of General Studies from SFU’s Faculty of Education with Minors in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, and Social Justice in Education. She also has her Nonprofit Management Associate’s Certificate from BCIT. Julia has been writing with Charity Village since August 2020 and her past articles can be accessed here. Julia can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-halabourda/.
