"Your resume caught our attention and we'd like to schedule a screening interview as a next step."
That's good news—it means you're moving to the next round of the hiring process. But that doesn't change the fact that a screening interview can also inspire plenty of nerves and anxiety.
Wondering what a screening interview is and what to expect from that conversation? This guide covers what you need to know about this type of interview—as well as a few tips you can use to knock it out of the park.
What Exactly Is a Screening Interview?
A screening interview (which you might also hear referred to as a "phone screen" or a "phone interview") is typically the first interview in the hiring process. It's meant to confirm your qualifications and further determine if you're the right match for an open job.
This interview happens after the hiring team reviews your resume but before any longer, meatier job interviews. It's usually conducted by a recruiter or a human resources representative and is fairly straightforward and short—lasting only 15 to 30 minutes in total.
Why Do Employers Do Screening Interviews?
Here's the short answer: Employers conduct screening interviews to narrow down their hiring pool. In-person interviews are time-consuming and demand a lot of an employer's resources, but screening interviews are far more efficient and cost-effective.
These screening conversations give employers a chance to meet you, learn more about your qualifications, and determine if you're worth moving forward in the interview process.
It can be helpful to think of the screening interview as part of a funnel. The employer starts with a large amount of resumes and applications. The hiring team (or an applicant tracking system) reviews those applications and weeds through the initial pile. After that, the phone screening further narrows down the pool of candidates who will move through the in-person interview rounds.
Put simply, the screening interview allows employers to move only the best candidates forward in the interview process, rather than investing time and resources into applicants that aren't the right match.
What Will an Employer Ask During a Phone Screening?
A phone screening is short, which means it won't dig as deep into your skills and experiences as the job interviews that happen later in the process. That means you likely won't have to answer many behavioral interview questions or any real stumpers.
Instead, the screening interview will cover more of the basics to confirm you're a good fit. That means you should be prepared to talk in detail about the following topics.
Your background
Much of the screening interview is focused on confirming the information that's on your resume and aligning your experience to the requirements of the position. You might be asked:
- Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
- Can you walk me through your resume?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
Your interest in the position
The employer will likely ask you questions to better understand why you want that position with that specific company. This is their opportunity to not only look for alignment and enthusiasm but also to see if you've done your research. The employer will ask questions like:
- What attracted you to this position and our company?
- Which of our company values resonate most with you?
- How does this role fit with your career goals?
Your experience
While you won't get into the nitty-gritty of your qualifications and job history during this conversation (that's what the later interview rounds are for), you'll likely be asked a few straightforward questions to help the employer better understand your key strengths and skills. Be prepared to answer:
- Can you describe your most recent role and your responsibilities there?
- What's one accomplishment from your resume that you're most proud of?
- What makes you a strong candidate for this role?
Your availability
You'll cover some nuts and bolts in the phone screen too—and your availability or work preferences are key pieces the employer will touch on. Your interviewer will likely ask:
- When would you be available to start?
- Are you looking for remote, in-person, or hybrid work?
Your salary expectations
Money is another logistical aspect that can feel uncomfortable but is important to discuss. While some employers avoid talking about pay until later conversations, evolving pay transparency laws mean money is coming up earlier in the hiring process. So, be prepared to talk about it during the phone screen. Make sure to be honest about your expectations—there's no point in moving forward in the process only to be disappointed in the company's budget and offer later on. Know your answer to this question:
- What are your salary expectations for this role?
Your questions
The employer will undoubtedly have plenty of questions for you during the phone screening, but the conversation will wrap up by allowing you to ask questions about the company or the opportunity. Come prepared with a few to demonstrate your interest in the position and your engagement in the hiring process. You could ask:
- How does this role contribute to the company's broader goals?
- Are there any concerns from my resume or application I can address for you?
- What are the next steps after this phone screening?
4 Tips to Prepare for Your Screening Interview
Anticipating what you could be asked is a big help in preparing for screening interviews. But here are a few more tips to help you ace the phone screen and make it to the next round.
1. Revisit Your Research
You likely (or hopefully) did plenty of research to tailor your resume and submit your original application. If it's been a while since you applied, it's worth revisiting those materials for a refresher. Take another look at:
- The job description's responsibilities and requirements
- The resume you submitted for that position and how it matches the requirements
- The company's website and social media profiles to jog your memory and pick up any recent updates
Even if your phone screen is quick and surface-level, investing a little bit of time in careful preparation ensures you're ready to answer any question—while simultaneously demonstrating your knowledge of the position, company, and industry.
2. Keep Helpful Materials Close By
Here's one of the best parts about a phone screen: you're not in the same room as your interviewer. That means you can keep a few helpful resources—like your resume, the job description, and your notes from your company research—within arm's reach for easy reference.
You might not need to refer to them, but having them by your side can offer a confidence boost and help keep your nerves at bay.
If the screening interview is taking place over a video call rather than the phone, be mindful of not looking down at your notes too often so you can maintain solid eye contact with the interviewer. And, even if the conversation does happen via a phone call, avoid shuffling papers too much—the noise can be distracting.
3. Find a Quiet Space
When it's time for your phone screen, make sure you're set up in a quiet space where you and your interviewer won't be bothered by background noise or interruptions (this conversation isn't something you want to handle in your favorite coffee shop).
Additionally, confirm that your location has solid phone service or a strong internet connection so you don't run into any frustrating technical difficulties.
If your screening interview is happening over video, you'll need to pay even more attention to your environment. Finding a quiet, distraction-free spot still matters, but you'll also want to make sure your background is professional and clutter-free.
4. Maintain Professionalism
A phone screening is shorter and slightly more casual than the job interviews that happen later in the process—but it's still important.
Take this opportunity seriously and approach it with as much professionalism as possible by:
- Being ready at least 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled time so you have a few minutes to collect your thoughts
- Answering the call with a friendly but professional greeting (such as, "Hello, this is [First Name] [Last Name]")
- Dressing professionally (even if the interviewer won't see you, some research indicates that the way you're dressed can impact your self-perception and confidence)
These seemingly minor details can show that you're taking the opportunity seriously and improve your chances of moving on to the next round of interviews.
Passing the Phone Screen (Without Panic)
Hearing that a potential employer wants to schedule a screening interview is a good sign—it means they're interested in what you bring to the table. But it can also be a little anxiety-inducing, particularly when you know your performance during that phone call will determine whether or not you move forward in the hiring process.
Fortunately, a little bit of preparation now can help you manage your nerves, ace the conversation, and move one step closer to landing the job.
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