Marsha Hebert 
In the world of job hunting, the screening interview is often your first encounter with a real person – make it count!
So, you've applied for a job, and now they've invited you to a screening interview – great, but what exactly does that mean? Basically, it's a quick chat to figure out if you check the basic boxes. These interviews are typically short, often done over the phone or video, and they focus on weeding out candidates who don't quite fit the bill before moving forward with a deeper dive.
Think of it as a way for employers to save time – after all, no one wants to spend hours in a formal interview with someone who isn't a good match from the start. But for you, it's your first real chance to make an impression, so don't dismiss it as just a casual conversation.
Why do companies use screening interviews?
It might feel like just a formality, but screening interviews play a key role in the hiring process. Employers are looking to answer a simple question: "Is this person even close to being a good fit?" It's like sorting through a pile of resumes but with real-time interaction. For you, it's a chance to show you're serious about the role and to address anything that may not come across clearly in your resume.
Common questions asked in a screening interview
Now, you might wonder, what does it mean when you get a screening interview? It means the employer is interested in you enough to learn more, but they're not ready to commit to a full-on interview just yet. Even still, the screening interview isn't something to be taken lightly. You should prepare for it just like you would a regular interview.
That includes preparing to answer some common questions. Here are some of the typical questions that you might hear during a screening interview:
1. Tell me about yourself.
As always, you'll hear this very common question. Keep it short and focused on your career journey – how you got here and why this role interests you.
2. Why do you want this job?
Employers want to see that you've done your homework. Be specific about what excites you about the role and the company. Try to bring up something you read in the job description so they'll know you've at least read that thoroughly.
3. What are your salary expectations?
This question can be a bit tricky. The best way to handle it is by doing your homework beforehand. Look up salary ranges for similar roles in the industry. Once you have a ballpark idea, you can give the employer a reasonable range, but don't feel pressured to give an exact number right away. If you're unsure, it's okay to ask them for more information about the job responsibilities before discussing specific figures.
4. Can you describe your experience related to this job?
Here's your chance to highlight what makes you a great fit for the role. Be prepared to talk about a few relevant examples from your previous work. Focus on the experience that aligns with what they're looking for. Keep it brief but meaningful – the goal here is to show that you have the skills and experience they need without going overboard.
5. What's your availability?
This one's pretty straightforward. They just want to know when you could start if everything works out. Whether you're available immediately or need a few weeks' notice, just be honest about your timeline.
6. Do you have any questions for us?
You definitely want to have a couple of questions up your sleeve. This is your chance to learn more about the company and the role. You might want to ask about the team you'd be working with, how success is measured in the position, or what the company's future goals are. Not only does this show you're interested, but it also gives you important insights.
How to prepare for a screening interview
You might wonder, “Do I need to prepare for a screening interview?” The answer is a big yes! Even though it's a shorter interview, it's still crucial to prepare so you can make the best impression possible. Here's how to get ready:
1. Research the company and role
It's always a good idea to spend a little time learning about the company before the interview. You don't need to know every detail, but at least get a sense of what they do, their mission, and how this role fits into the bigger picture. This will show the interviewer that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested.
2. Practice your answers
Go over some of the common screening questions you might face. Practice your answers out loud to make sure you're confident and comfortable talking about your experience. Don't worry about sounding rehearsed – just focus on being clear and direct.
3. Prepare your questions
At the end of most screening interviews, you'll get a chance to ask your own questions. Have a few ready that show you're thoughtful about the role. You could ask about the team's day-to-day work, what success looks like, or even where the company sees itself going in the next few years.
4. Test your tech
If it's a phone or video interview, make sure everything works smoothly. Check your internet connection, microphone, and camera if needed, and make sure you're in a quiet space without distractions. It's one less thing to worry about when the interview begins.
5. Keep your resume nearby
Having a copy of your resume nearby can be a big help. It lets you quickly refer to dates, details, or specific points in your work history if the interviewer asks. You can also have things like a padfolio or a copy of your references available, in case you want to take notes or they ask for references. This article, What to Bring to an Interview to Help Your Chances, offers some great advice on what to have with you during an interview.
How to Pass Your First Screening Interview
How do you pass a screening interview? The key is to stay calm, be yourself, and focus on showing how you're a great fit for the job.
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Keep it simple. When answering questions, don't complicate things. Be clear and to the point.
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Relate your experience to the job. When you talk about your past work, make sure it aligns with what the employer is looking for. Show them that you understand their needs.
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Stay professional. Even though the screening interview might feel less formal, treat it like any other interview. Be polite, engaged, and positive.
What happens after the screening interview?
Once the screening interview is done, the waiting game begins. How do you know if a screening interview went well? Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:
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The interviewer seemed engaged, asked follow-up questions, or gave you more info about the next steps.
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They talked about the hiring process or mentioned when you could expect to hear back.
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You felt the conversation flowed well, and you were able to answer their questions confidently.
What's next?
So, what's next after a screening interview? Usually, if things go well, the recruiter will either invite you to a second interview or ask for more information, like references or work samples. If you don't hear back in the time they specified, it's okay to send a polite follow-up email asking about the status of your application.
Common concerns about screening interviews (FAQs)
1. Is screening different from an interview?
It's a common question: is a screening different from an interview? The answer is yes. A screening interview is a shorter, more focused conversation meant to narrow down the candidate pool. A full interview is typically longer and digs deeper into your qualifications.
2. How long is a typical screening interview?
Screening interviews are usually quick. Expect it to last anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. The goal is efficiency – for both you and the employer.
Master your screening interview
A screening interview may feel like a small step, but it's a crucial one. Use it to show that you're serious about the role and ready to move forward in the hiring process. By understanding the nature and purpose of a screening interview, preparing for common questions, and knowing what happens next, you can increase your chances of moving on to the next stage. Remember, it's all about making that first impression count.
Your resume got you this far, but now it's time to shine in the interview. Don't leave your next opportunity to chance! With expert interview coaching, you can walk into your screening interview feeling confident and prepared.