The Screening Interview
December 18, 2006 by Darlene McDaniel
Filed under Jobs
The screening interview is usually the first formal step in the interview process. It is your opportunity to communicate your skills and abilities to a human resource representative. Today many screening interviews are done by telephone. There is no standard one way or the other. It really depends on the industry and the organization.
The job of the screener is to find every reason to screen you “out” of the hiring process. They are listening for inconsistencies in what you communicate versus what is on your resume and cover letter. The goal is to weed through all of the potential candidates and find the top candidates to move forward in the process and get them in front of the hining manager. You must meet 85-90 percent of the minimum requirements of the job in order to remain in the process. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications.
It is very important that you establish rapport with the screener. You want them to shift from screening you out to recognizing that you are a great candidate for the current opening and move you forward in the process.
Coaching Tip: Do not agree to a telephone screening interview on the same day that they call you. Schedule it and then prepare. Review the job description. If you do not have a copy of the job description ask for one before getting off the telephone. Most HR professionals are happy to e-mail one to you or refer you to their website on line to download. Prepare your answers. Do not memorize, but ensure that you have examples of how you have performed the skills in the past.
Happy Interviewing!
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Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] As the candidate, if you have made it past the screening interview and you are sitting in front of that hiring manager it imperative that you are ready to present a convincing case about your product – YOU! If you have made it past the screeners to the hiring manager, you are already considered a strong candidate for the position. So everything that you do and say must support that or they will select someone. [...]
[...] Depending on your answer, may determine whether you continue in the process or whether you receive a "Dear John" letter. Interviewers are looking for every reason to screen you “out” of the hiring process. Think about this question and put together an honest answer. It is critical that you discuss what you are doing to improve in the area you share with the interviewer. Make sure that whatever area you choose to use does not indicate that you will have difficulty doing the job you are discussing. [...]