How to Ace Phone Screening Interviews

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Impress hiring managers and boost your chances of getting the job you want by knowing how to ace phone screening interviews.

You just received a call, and they want to conduct your interview on the phone.

With the increased popularity of remote work over the past few years, the hiring process has also gone remote. It’s now fairly common to have an interview over the phone, at least for a portion of the hiring process. If you’re applying for a job role in another country as part of a global workforce, you can fully expect a remote hiring process complete with phone interviews.

Do you hate talking on the phone? Yet, your employer wants to set up your interview over a call. In this article, we are going to help you learn how to ace phone screening interviews .

So without further ado, let’s begin.

What are Phone Screening Interviews?

Phone screening interviews are a type of interview, often referred to as a phone screen. They are part of modern-day job interviews, where an HR manager or recruiter generally tests you for a job by conducting your interview over the phone. The primary purpose of this interview is to assess whether you’re a suitable candidate. The screening process usually requires a professional interviewer to check a candidate’s documentation verbally. They discuss the basic qualifications, soft skills, hard skills, and check whether the candidate is suitable for the position.

For someone looking for a more in-depth interview, phone screening interviews help quickly analyze which candidates are worth considering.

They shorten the list and eventually find the best-suited candidate.

Why Employers Trust Phone Screening Interviews?

The first time you hear about phone screening calls, it may sound impersonal and superfluous.

Employers conduct phone screens for multiple reasons. Many employers today have realized that formal interviews can take up a lot of their precious time. Calling candidates in-house, arranging interview sessions, and conducting a thorough background check can take up considerable costs and resources.

Phone screens help recruiters quickly overcome these obstacles by creating mutual interest between the employer and employee, finding the right fit between candidates and the organization.

Here are a few reasons why employers use phone screens as a preliminary round of interviews:

• They are often handling a large number of applications.
• They are looking for a very specific skill set for an open position.
• They are on a tight timeline to hire a suitable candidate (to start what’s necessary).

Many managers prefer phone screening to check for non-verbal cues such as body language and other signs that indicate whether a candidate is a perfect fit for the job.

It gives interviewers a chance to organize the top candidates for the remainder of the interview process. They might use the phone screen to discuss salary requirements, current employment, and start dates. This way, recruiters, hiring managers, and HR teams can identify the best candidates. They can analyze strengths and the most relevant experience.

How is a Phone Screening Interview Different from a Normal Interview?

A phone screening interview and a phone interview are two separate concepts. Often, people get confused between the two. Let’s explore the fundamental differences between them.

Phone Screen

Candidate evaluation is a part of the process where a pre-screen is performed. The phone screening process involves evaluating a candidate’s basic qualifications (for example, verifying a degree and performing background checks. During a phone screening, the interviewer assesses whether requirements are met.

Phone screenings are usually conducted by an HR person or recruiter. The process is relatively short and typically lasts between 10 to 30 minutes.

Phone Interview

On the other hand, a phone interview is more like the first round of interviews. It usually happens over the phone (perhaps via Zoom) or in person.

It’s a more in-depth conversation where the HR department explores the candidate’s skills and experience to determine whether they are a cultural fit for the company.

Phone interviews are longer, typically lasting between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Tips on How to Ace Phone Screening Interviews

So, you want to ace phone screening interviews, eh?

It’s one of those things that people often think they can “wing.” But that’s not how it works! Just like any other interview, you need to put in the effort to ace your phone screening.

Preparing for a phone screening interview is one of the first steps in the interview process. You can even call it a “pre-interview” step, where you organize your prerequisites.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Your first impression is often your last impression.”

So, you need to spend around 10-30 minutes to ensure you ace the phone screening interview.

Step # 1 – Research the Company

Before you hop on the call, make sure to do thorough research on the company.

This way, you’ll be much better equipped to understand their vision, mission, values, products, services, and what’s really happening within the organization.

This knowledge will help you respond to their questions more effectively and keep you aligned with meeting the company’s requirements.

It will show that you’re genuinely interested in the organization.

Step # 2 – Learn About the Job Description

Before your phone screening interview, make sure you review the job posting to understand the specific skills and qualifications they are seeking.

This will prepare you to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements. To better equip yourself, print out a copy of the job description and use it as your cheat sheet.

When you sit down, make sure it’s visible so you can refer to it.

Step # 3 – Have Your Resume Ready

While printing the job description, ensure you also print a clear copy of your resume. This will ensure your document is prepared, highlighted, annotated, and ready for the phone screen. Be ready to discuss the details of your resume, as the interviewer may ask you about your past experiences, projects, and accomplishments. Make sure you clearly explain the role and your contributions. This way, you’ll appear more genuine and versatile for the position.

Note: Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and accurate. Be ready to speak about your accomplishments. Interviewers are often interested in this.

Step # 4 – Get Into the Practice of Answering Common Questions

It’s always a good idea to rehearse common questions before sitting for a phone screening interview. Ask yourself questions such as, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “Why do you want to work here?” or “What are your goals and objectives?”

Make sure your answers are concise and focused.

Note: Initially, practicing these questions in front of a mirror or recording them on your phone might feel strange. But watch your answers and see how you can best refine them.

Step # 5 – Prepare Your Own Questions!

Always prepare your own questions. If you’re keen to join an organization, you may want to ask a few questions to show you’re genuinely interested in working on their projects. This will also build confidence with the interviewer and demonstrate that you’ve looked into them from various sources, such as their past work or social media accounts.

Questions You Need to Prepare Yourself to Ace Phone Screening Interviews

Now that we know what steps we need to take to prepare for phone screening interviews, let’s look at the types of questions you might need to answer.

For example, when questions arise about your technical background, be ready to speak about your experience with web programming languages or web design agency other relevant skills.

• Tell me about yourself? (The interviewer wants to know more about you).
• Why choose [Company Name]? (This question asks why you wish to join them).
• What excites you about the job role? (This question assesses why you’re interested in the position).
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? (This question helps the recruiter understand your skill set).
• What were your responsibilities in the previous job role? (This helps the recruiter understand your past responsibilities).
• What are your salary expectations? (This gives the recruiter an idea of what you expect).
• What is your availability to start? (This shows how soon you can start the job).
• How would you describe your work style? (This shows whether you’re a laid-back or a more task-oriented worker).
• Do you have any questions? (This is your opportunity to ask about the company, work culture, and processes).

Concluding Thoughts

Knowing how to ace phone screening interviews is all about preparation, focus, and showcasing your enthusiasm for the role. Treat it as a real opportunity to make a strong impression, even if it’s over the phone.

By researching the company, aligning your experience with the job description, and preparing thoughtful answers to both expected and unexpected questions, you’ll convey professionalism and readiness. Remember, this initial call is often the gateway to further rounds.

Approach it with confidence, be articulate, and let your passion for the position shine. Good luck, and may your next phone screen be a stepping stone toward your career goals!