What is a Phone Screen for a Job and How to Prep for It

A phone screen is a short phone call an employer will have with job candidates. This screening serves as a way to find out more about the candidate’s experience and narrow the applicant pool.

You’ve been applying for jobs and have received a response from one of your applications. The employer is asking to schedule a phone screen. It must be a good sign, right? Then you think to yourself, what is a phone screen for a job? Is it an actual interview? What does it all entail and how do you prepare for it? Here’s a run-down on all things phone screenings and how to complete a phone screen interview.?

A phone screen is typically the first step in the hiring process. During a phone screen, an employer conducts a brief job interview with a candidate to decide whether they are a qualified applicant for a position. A recruiter, talent acquisition specialist, or hiring manager can conduct a phone screen. These screenings consist of short phone calls, typically lasting about 15 minutes and no more than 30 minutes. During this time, the person conducting the screening may review your history of employment, experience and educational background, as well as confirm certain details.?

They may also ask about your salary requirements, when you can start work, what skills you have that would fulfill the job requirements, and any other logistical questions pertinent to the position.?

If you’re in the job-hunting process, not only will a recruiter review your resume, but they may also review your social media profiles — including your LinkedIn profile. Even if you’re in the initial stages of the interview process, have your LinkedIn profile and headline ready before your phone screening happens.?

“Your LinkedIn headline makes an important first impression. Make sure it’s simple, searchable and specific enough to help any recruiter looking at your profile understand what your next best job is,” states Katrina Kibben, founder and chief executive officer of Three Ears Media.?

Phone screens are a quick way for an employer to determine if a candidate’s qualifications match the requirements for a position. It’s a way for a company to narrow down a pool of applicants, based on if they meet the requirements for the job. Those who meet the criteria for the job move on to the next round of more in-depth interviews, which can be with the hiring team and those in managerial positions.?

Sometimes phone screenings can happen when you least expect them. You may have applied for a job a while back, or one hour ago, and receive a call from a random number that happens to be a phone screening interview. If you’ve picked up the phone already, you’ll likely be asked if you can do the phone screen interview right there and then, or if there’s another time you can talk.?

Before agreeing to a phone screening, make sure you are mentally prepared and in a quiet environment. Chances are you aren’t fully prepared, both mentally and physically, to take the call. If that’s the case, ask if you’re able to reschedule the screening. Even if it’s an hour later, the recruiter should be able to accommodate.

Remember, it’s important to give yourself the chance to review the job description and information about the company before participating in a phone screening. This ensures you’re ready to answer any questions the interviewer might have about why you’re applying for a position with that particular company.?

Preparing for a Phone Screen Interview

Ideally, you want to be prepared for a phone screen interview when you submit your resume. This means being able to talk to any points you’ve listed on your resume, elaborating on anything you’ve mentioned in your cover letter, and knowing what appeals to you about the position you applied for and what qualifications you have that match with the job requirements. At the least, make sure you prepare in these four ways:?

1. Set up a professional voicemail
2. Know your availability
3. Research the position and the company
4. Anticipate questions and perfect your elevator pitch

Preparing for a phone screening means getting your phone set up and ready for one. While your voicemail might be fun and engaging, it might require some revision.

Listen to it again, and make sure to record a professional voicemail. If a potential employer hears your recorded message, it might be their first impression of you. Make sure to clearly state your name and contact information and ask the caller to do the same. This ensures you can call them back as soon as possible.

When you return their call, be sure that you know your own schedule and availability. Be prepared to set aside time for an interview.

While a phone screening is brief, pretend you’re speaking with the CEO of the company. Before your phone screening, re-read the original job posting and understand what requirements you can fulfill and any that you may need to work on. If the position listed a salary range, see how that aligns with your salary requirements and be prepared to discuss them if they don’t align. It’s also important to research the company. Knowing specifics about an organization shows that you’re passionate about working for them.?

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes and try to think of some questions that the interviewer might ask during the phone screen interview. Prepare and practice your responses to them. The interviewer may ask you a few off-the-cuff questions that you didn’t expect, but more likely, you can anticipate straightforward questions. Typical questions include salary requirements, how your experience aligns with the job requirements, and what appeals to you about the organization.?

Don’t forget to perfect your elevator pitch in advance, too. With any step of the hiring process, you’ll likely be asked the question: “Tell me about yourself and why you applied for this position.” You should know why you applied and what it is about your skills and experience that makes you a great fit for the role.?

Practice this elevator pitch about yourself. If you only had 30-seconds to say what makes you great for a job and why you want it, what would you say? This is your chance to convince the phone screener in a short amount of time that you have what it takes to do the job—and a chance to get pushed through to the next round in the hiring process.?

Tips for a Phone Screen Interview

Once you’ve done the prep work, it’s time for the actual phone screen interview. The following four phone interview tips can help secure another interview in the future.

During interviews, it can be a danger to focus too much on what you will say, that you begin to tune out the interviewer. It’s important to be mindful of your focus and carefully listen to the interviewer’s questions.

Practice active listening and engage in the conversation with them. This could include acknowledging what they are saying with an affirmation or referencing something they mentioned. This helps build rapport with the phone screener, which can help you to move forward in the interview process.?

If your screening is not virtual or face-to-face, you must be able to exude your positivity and excitement for the opportunity through the phone. Be sure to “smile through the phone” when you’re talking to a recruiter. Your voice and tone may, as a direct result, sound more upbeat and positive. This can make the overall screening a positive experience on both ends of the line.??

Take a deep breath and exhale before the call and try to stay calm while pacing the rate of your speech. This will help you speak clearly and not skip over an important piece of information. The preparation you do prior can help to ease your nerves and make you feel more confident during the call.??

Project confidence during your phone screen interview. It can go a long way. Mia Williams, Founder and CEO of The Colors of Her Success, says, “When it comes to securing that seat at the table, show up with unwavering confidence — no matter what. The more you believe in yourself and your ability, the more doors will open for you.”?

Your next phone screen interview can feel like less of a burden with the proper approach. Remember to take the interview process step-by-step and treat every step with equal importance and investment. A phone screen may not seem like a big deal, but thoroughly preparing for one can help you move on to the next interview and one step closer to landing the job.

Top Takeaways

What is a phone screen as opposed to a job interview? How can you know what to expect and prepare?

• Be aware of your schedule in case you are asked about when you can set up an interview.
• Be attentive during the phone screen and consider ways to convey that you are listening.
• Understand the job you applied to and how your skillset and personality will be a match for the role.
• Research the company and think about questions to ask which demonstrate your knowledge.

(Reporting by NPD, Editing by Timothy Mably)