Tips About Phone Screen Interviews [Questions And Answers]

Published November 16, 2023 · · Updated August 9, 2024 · 7 minutes · by Kamerpower ·

Tips About Phone Screen Interviews [Questions And Answers]. Phone screen job interview refers to the step in the recruitment process which occurs after narrowing the applicant pool through candidate’s resume and before asking them to come for an in-person interview. Generally conducted over a call it’s used to asses the suitability for a particular role and find more about the candidate. 

To make a phone screen interview worthwhile, prepare by determining what really matters for the role, reading the candidate’s resume, clearing your mind of bias, and being ready to discuss the position and hiring process. Usually the phone screen interview is relatively short, typically lasting between ten and thirty minutes, focused on confirming your match with the job opportunity.

What is a phone screen job interview?

A phone screen interview is a brief phone call between you and a recruiter or member of a company’s talent acquisition team. They’ll ask about your basic skills and past experience and offer some details about the job opportunity. These calls usually take between 15–30 minutes and include some straightforward information about things the salary range, job responsibilities, and your availability. 

What questions can you expect in a phone screen interview?

Interview questions come in all shapes and forms. Phone screen questions might be long or short. Here are some phone screen interview questions for you to review:

• What’s your availability like?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What drew you to (company’s name) in the first place?
• What’s your level of experience with X(formally twitter)?
• What was your previous job like, and what were your responsibilities?

What are the differences between phone screen interviews Vs phone interviews?

A phone interview is usually more in-depth. Phone interviews are an alternative to traditional in-person interviews or teleconference interviews. In some cases, the phone interview may also be the final stage of the company’s interview process, and passing the interview may mean getting a job offer from the company.

Phone interviews last longer than screenings, so while you might expect a phone screening interview call to last 15–30 minutes, a phone interview usually lasts from 30–60 minutes.

Phone interview questions are more based around open-ended questions like “Tell me about a time when…” or “Tell me about yourself…” that ask you to explain your experience in more detail.

A phone screening interview also involves a lot of listening on your part, too. You learn more than just what the job description says, which can help you realize if you want to pursue this job.

Tips to do well during a phone screening interview

What Happens before A Phone Screening Interview?

1. Research the company:

You don’t need to know everything about the company, but it’s a good idea to dive into its values, goals, and impact. What do they do that interests you? Why did you apply in the first place? Try checking out their social media pages to better understand their branding.

2. Have resources on hand:

Since the person on the other end won’t see your face, why not have your resume or cover letter on hand? You could have notes you might need about the company, a list of your strengths, or whatever other tools you feel will help you.

3. Have professional voicemail.

This interview determines whether or not you are considered for the job. Your goal is to make a great impression. Later you can decide whether or not you really want this job. Start with your own voicemail since these interviews are often set up via a phone call. When you can’t answer the phone number you provided on your application or resume when someone calls, be sure that a voicemail message is available, confirming that the number belongs to you, and clearly stating your name in a professional way.

4. Set up your area:

Where you take your phone call matters. You want to be in a comfortable area with little distractions and interruptions. Sit in a comfortable chair, or make room to stand.

5. Know your answers to the common questions usually asked.

Brief “yes” and “no” responses will not move a telephone interview forward, but will end it quickly. So, start by practicing your answers to the top common interview questions now so that you are ready when the unplanned telephone interview occurs. After confirming that you meet the basic requirements (education, skills, and experience), these questions are typically asked in phone screen are Tell me about yourself and Why do you want to leave your current job?

What Happens After A Phone Screening Interview?

Send a follow-up.

Sure, it was a telephone interview, but that is no reason for not taking the time to exercise simple but powerful courtesies.  At the end of the call, you should thank the person and send a follow-up message. It’ll help you stand out more and is another opportunity to show your motivation. Don’t just say thank you! Make a point of reiterating your strengths and value for the position.

Do some reflection.

You did it! But how do you feel about what you’ve learned? What’s your outlook on the company and the job opportunity itself? It’s OK if something’s turned you off.  Maybe the recruiter outlined a job responsibility you just aren’t interested in.

Do more research if necessary.

If there’s something that you’re still unsure about, research it. Try connecting with employees over LinkedIn to see how they feel about the company, or reach out to your mentors for some career advice.

Tips During the phone screen Interview 

1. Watch your voice.

The person can’t see your body language, so using your voice to make a strong impression is even more important. Try to avoid mumbling and use complete sentences. Don’t rush your words. 

2. Ask questions.

A phone screening is your chance to learn more about the job opportunity and clarify anything you’re confused about. Don’t hesitate to ask questions when it’s appropriate. It’ll show you’re truly interested in the job.

3. Smile while on the phone!

You will find that you sound more upbeat and engaged when you do this. Your smiles will be “heard” by the interviewer making for a positive impression. This is where your attitude will really show. To help you remember to smile, place a mirror by the phone, where it will be easy for you to see yourself in it.

4. Take notes.

Taking notes during your interview will help you remember what you learn. Don’t feel like you have to write everything down — just the most important details.

5. Listen carefully.

Listening well to what the recruiter says will help you clearly answer each question. You’ll understand exactly what they’re asking of you, and the conversation will flow better. 

6. If you have a web portfolio or a complete LinkedIn profile, direct the interviewer to it, if possible.

For example. the interviewer asks you to describe a challenge you have faced. Ask if he or she has access to the Internet.

If the answer is yes, suggest they visit your web portfolio or LinkedIn Profile (links hopefully on your resume), and have them click on your project highlights page. There, the interviewer will see what you have made public, perhaps an outline of key projects and a terrific graph that expresses your results.

Successful Phone Screening Interviews Tips

Be concise.

Phone screen interviews are typically quite short, so it is important to be concise and to the point when answering questions. Avoid going off on tangents or providing too much detail.

Be confident.

Even though it can be intimidating to do a phone screen interview, remember that you have the qualifications and experience that the company is looking for. Be confident in your answers and demonstrate why you would be a great fit for the role.

Be prepared.

Before the interview, take some time to research the company and the role you are applying for. This will help you formulate well-thought-out answers to the interviewer’s questions.

Be sure to ask questions.

At the end of the interview, you will typically have the opportunity to ask questions. This is a great chance to demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the role.

Practice.

Many people find it helpful to practice their answers to commonly asked questions. This will help you become more comfortable articulating your qualifications and why you would be a great fit for the role.