When you apply for a job, and the recruiter is initially interested in your CV, they will usually conduct a pre-screening call before they proceed to interview. The pre-screening call may be over the phone or via video, and it is usually a brief discussion to determine whether they feel you are a suitable applicant to take forward to the next stage.
How to Prepare for a Pre-Screening Call
Even though a pre-screening call is brief, you should still prepare for the interview questions and answers. Ensure you are in a comfortable, quiet area to take the call and have your CV in front of you. It would help if you also kept the job spec handy so you can answer any questions relating to it. The last thing the recruiter wants to hear is that you don’t remember what job you applied for. You should be confident and excited about the role, and your communication should be clear.
Examples of Pre-Screening Questions
There are many different types of pre-screening interview questions, and these are some of the most common.
Where are you currently working, and why are you looking to leave?
The recruiter will want to know why you are looking to move on. It is essential to be honest with this question. For example, if you are going through a disciplinary process, it is best to get this out in the open immediately, as it will come out at some point.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
If you are applying for a permanent role, the recruiter will want to hear that you’re there for the long term and wish to grow and develop. In contrast, if it’s a temporary role, they will want to hear that you’re happy with a short term role, and enjoy the flexibility of a temporary job.
What culture do you thrive in?
Every organisation is different in terms of culture, and it is essential to get the match right. Otherwise, no one will be happy. Be honest with this question, as there’s no point in starting a job you won’t enjoy. For instance, if you like to be left alone to get on with your job, you won’t be happy in a job where the manager is micromanaging you.
When can you start?
The recruiter may ask when you are available to start. If they ask this, it is usually an urgent requirement. If you have a three-month notice period, let the recruiter know and advise that you would happily negotiate this with your employer.
Do you have any questions about the role or company?
Asking questions will show that you have a genuine interest in the role and have not just applied for everything. Have some questions up your sleeve for the interview questions and answers, and make sure they are relevant to the company. Some interview questions to ask may include those relating to the size of the team or the future plans of the company.
Your CV is the gateway to the pre-screening stage, so it is vital that it is of the highest quality. At Inspired CVs, we pride ourselves on the quality of our professional CV writing services. You can order a new CV today or contact us to learn more about our services.
