Mastering the “Art” of Navigating Screening Calls

Whether you recognise/respect/ value the role recruitment consultants play in the hiring process 9 times out of 10 dealing with us is going to be an unavoidable part of securing your new role…soz ??

We (recruiters in general; obviously I’m very different ??), are engaged by businesses for a few reasons. I’ve listed some below:

Specialist Market Insights

Reduced Risk of Bad Hires

Negotiation and Mediation

Time Saving

Assessment of skills, culture and character fit.

A lot of people ask me (don’t you just hate it when people say this) what recruiters look for from applicants when they conduct screening calls. These calls act as a initial filter for candidates, giving us a chance to assess someone’s suitability for any role, and organisation, based on a range of criteria. I've listed these below too:

Qualifications

Experience

Communication skills

Cultural/ Character fit

It’s a core part of any hiring process, determining who progresses to the next stage (usually your CV in front of a hiring manager) and doing it well is often what differentiates the good agencies from the bad.

And now, to answer the question a lot of people ask me (sorry, but they really do)

"What do recruiters look for during the call?"

The honest answer… if we’re calling you on the back on an application landing in our inbox we are willing you to be right for the position.

If you’re interested in giving yourself the best chance of falling down the rabbit hole, coming out unscathed and landing softly in front of the ACTUAL decision makers then here are a few key ways you can make that happen.

Make a memorable first impression

For the purposes of a screening call, you should view the recruiter you’re speaking with as an extension of the client’s own team. First impressions count! Be on time, be confident, and remember, a positive attitude can leave a lasting impression.

Articulate your career story effectively

Getting this right really sets you apart when speaking with recruiters. Good recruiters will want to learn more about your journey so make sure you highlight the relevant experience that makes you perfect for the role.

Be prepared to address some common screening call questions

Ready yourself for some of the classics i.e. 'Tell Me About Yourself' and 'What are your salary expectations?'

Ask Questions

Keeping in mind that even an agency recruiter should be seen as an extension of the client they’re representing, show us that you're genuinely interested in the job. Ask thoughtful questions. Clarify points from the advert or JD. Saying ‘YES’ to everything won’t help you stand out. ?

Prepare to overcome any potential ‘Red Flags’

Try not to be thrown if we ask questions about gaps in your CV or short term positions. Prepare your answers ahead of time. Our aim is ?to listen and understand, and if we don’t ask about it, rest assured the client will.

Make sure you follow up.

If you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity, don't forget to let us know. Fire a message over following your call and if you haven’t already, establish a timescale for when you should expect an update.?

This may come as a surprise and admittedly it might not always come across through the shitty practices common with the recruitment industry but honestly, we're on your side. The best relationships between recruiters and people looking for work are mutually beneficial.

It's our job to champion why you're the BEST candidate our clients are going to interview and a little preparation can ensure we've got all the tools to do exactly that.

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