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Screening Interviews: Everything You Need to Know
December 9, 2020ShareBy: Indeed Editorial Team
A screening interview is a great opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates and impress an interviewer. Even in a brief phone interview, you can emphasize your genuine interest in a position as well as your enthusiasm for an organization and the value you could bring to a position. Successfully preparing for a screening interview takes time and research. In this article, we discuss questions you should be prepared to answer during the screening interview along with tips to ensure you’re prepared.
Related: 22 Most Common Interview Questions and Best Answers (with Tips)
What is a screening interview?
A screening interview is a part of the job selection process used by employers to determine if a candidate has the qualifications necessary to do the job for which the company is hiring. The screening interview is typically the first interview during the hiring process. The recruiter will usually use this opportunity to:
- Provide a description of the company and position they’re hiring for
- Ask questions to see if the candidate meets the basic requirements for the role, if the position matches what the candidate is looking for and if the candidate is interested in pursuing the role
- Answer any questions the candidate has about the company, role or hiring process
The screening interview can be conducted in-person or over the phone. In either case, the screening interview determines if the candidate moves on to the next phase of the interview process.
Related: Interview Question: “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”
Common screening interview questions
Here are several questions you should be prepared to answer in a screening interview:
- What are you looking for in a position?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What reasons do you have for leaving your most recent job?
- Describe your current job responsibilities?
- What drew you to this position?
- What compensation are you looking for?
- What management style suits you best?
- When could you start working if you were selected for this role?
- What has been your biggest achievement so far?
- What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- How do you cope with stress?
- What motivates you in a job?
- Why should we hire you?
- Do you have any specific questions about this role?
Related: Interview Question: “Tell Me About Yourself” (Tips and Example Answers)
How to prepare for a successful screening interview
Here are the steps you should use to fully prepare for your next screening interview:
1. Review the job description
Examine the required and preferred qualifications for the candidate as well as the main responsibilities for the role. Take note of key responsibilities and consider how your own education, skills and experience align with the role.
2. Research the company
You should be able to answer questions about the company’s products, market and other key strategies and figures that can be uncovered through research. Expect some variation of the question, “What do you know about us?” As part of your research, read through blog posts and the posts on social media accounts. Check to see if you may know someone who is employed at the organization who could give you additional insights.
3. Know your resume
Be prepared with descriptions of your previous positions as well as experiences that prove your abilities. Be able to describe your three most relevant accomplishments and how they demonstrate your ability to be successful in the role for which you’re applying.
4. Practice interviewing
Practice interviewing with a friend. Give them a list of common questions that are asked during screening interviews and practice how you will respond to them. If the screening interview is happening over the phone, have the friend call you for your practice interview. If you plan to use notes during the interview, have them ready to use during your practice interview.
5. Prepare questions
Think of some thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer to show you’re interested in the position.
What to do during your screening interview
Here are some recommendations to help you excel during the interview:
Find a quiet location
Assuming the screening interview is to be conducted over the phone, set aside at least 30 minutes in which you can speak to the interviewer in a quiet location without any interruptions.
Be enthusiastic
Try to build rapport with the interviewer. Express interest in the company and ask about the potential timeframe and next steps. Ask for the interviewer’s email address, if you don’t have it already, so you can follow up.
Smile as you speak
Smile when you’re talking about the work you’ve done, when you’re asking questions or when you’re expressing your enthusiasm about the company. The interviewer will be able to read the difference in tone and it can have a powerful impact on how interested you sound in a position.
Be straightforward
Make it easy for the interviewer to get the information they need. Answer questions directly—be straightforward and to the point.
End on a positive note
Finish the call on a positive note by thanking the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the role. You could say something like, “Thank you so much for the call. I really liked what I heard about the role and company—and I am confident I would be a great fit for the position. I would love to meet you in person and discuss the opportunity in-depth. What’s the next step?”
What to do after your screening interview
Here are some simple tips for after the screening interview that can make the wait easier and increase the likelihood of a callback:
Send a thank you note
Send a thank you email or handwritten note within 24 hours of the interview. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the role and reiterate your interest in the position.
Follow instructions
If you were given any instructions, such as following up via email, follow them. If you forgot to ask about the next steps during the interview, request clarification during your follow-up email.
Be patient
Be prepared that you may not receive a response to your thank-you note, especially if the organization is screening a large number of candidates. Follow up one week after the interview and again after two weeks.
Begin preparing for a second interview
You never know when you’ll be asked to come in for another round of interviews, so you’ll want to be ready at a moment’s notice. Research more to find information not readily available on the company site about company milestones, award-winning projects or recent initiatives that you can work into the interview.
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