Phone Interview Tips: How to Prepare for a Recruiter Screen

A phone interview is a short screen, usually 20 to 30 minutes, that checks dealbreakers, tests that your resume matches your experience and gauges your motivation. Prepare by reading the posting, reviewing your resume, practising short answers to the likely questions, setting up a quiet space and having notes and questions ready. Answer in specifics, in a minute or two, and listen carefully, since the interviewer cannot see you. Recruiters often score the call against a short list of criteria and decide quickly whether to advance you. Clear, calm, specific answers are what move you forward.

The call is easier than it feels once you know its purpose.

What the call covers

Recruiters usually follow a pattern. See phone screen questions for the employer's version.

Before the call

1. Read the posting again and list the top three requirements.
2. Review your resume, since the recruiter will have it open and will ask about it.
3. Write brief answers to tell me about yourself and why do you want this job.
4. Prepare your answer on salary. See salary expectations.
5. Prepare two or three questions. See questions to ask the interviewer.
6. Check the time, the number and who will call.

Confirm whether the call is by phone or an app, and keep the recruiter's name and number handy.

Set up your space

• Quiet room, door closed, phone silenced except for the call.
• Good signal, or a wired headset or earbuds with a microphone.
• Charger within reach.
• Notes, resume and the posting on the desk, with a pen and paper.
• A glass of water.

If you cannot take the call at the scheduled time, ask to rearrange as early as possible. Do not take a screen call while driving or in a noisy place.

During the call

• Answer promptly and give your name clearly.
• Smile as you speak; it changes your tone.
• Stand or sit upright, since posture affects your voice.
• Speak a little slower than normal, and pause before answering.
• Keep answers to a minute or two, starting with the point.
• Use specifics: a project, a number, a tool.
• Ask for clarification if a question is unclear.
• Take notes of names and next steps.
• Do not eat, type loudly or multitask.

Because there is no body language, check in at natural points: "Does that answer your question, or would you like more detail?" That gives the recruiter a way to steer.

Handling common questions

Salary

Have a range ready. Say it plainly and ask whether it fits the range for the role.

Notice period and start date

Give the facts. If you are flexible, say so.

Why are you leaving?

Keep it short and positive. See why are you leaving your job.

Gaps or short tenures

Answer calmly and briefly. See employment gaps.

"Tell me about a time when..."

Use STAR in a short form. See the STAR method.

Close well

• Restate your interest in the role in a sentence.
• Ask about next steps and timing.
• Thank the recruiter.
• Send a short email afterwards. See interview thank-you email.

If the call is unscheduled

Recruiters sometimes call without notice. It is fine to say, "I'd like to give this my full attention. Could we speak in an hour, or tomorrow at 10?" Most will agree. Keep a brief set of notes accessible so that you can pick up the phone calmly when it rings.

Common mistakes

• Poor reception or background noise.
• Rambling answers with no point.
• Not knowing your own resume.
• Negative comments about your employer.
• Not asking any questions.
• Forgetting to take notes.

What happens next

The recruiter will usually report to the hiring manager and decide whether to advance you. Timelines vary. If you hear nothing by the date they gave, see how to follow up on a job application and ghosted after applying. The next stage may be a video call; see video interview tips. The wider plan is in the interview preparation guide.

A one-page cheat sheet

Keep a single page in front of you with the recruiter's name and number, the role title, your two-line introduction, your top three stories in a few words each, your salary range, your notice period and your three questions. A page like this lets you answer without rustling through papers, and it keeps the call moving at a natural pace.