The Screening Call Survival Guide
You wake up on a Wednesday morning and go through your routine—maybe you hit the gym, walk your dog, or scroll through social media, delaying the inevitable start to your day. At some point, you check your email and see an interview request from a marketing company for an initial chat.
You might roll your eyes, thinking, Great, another phone screening that won’t go anywhere. Or maybe you’re genuinely excited because this is a role you’re interested in, and you feel confident about your chances.
As someone who has both interviewed and conducted interviews, I know that the first round is all about first impressions. It sets the tone for who you are and how you engage with the organization. While these initial conversations don’t typically dive deep into job responsibilities or company strategy, they provide valuable insight into how the company operates and help you determine if it’s the right fit. Here are a few key things to consider to help you walk into that initial screening with confidence.
Tip 1: Temper Your Expectations
A phone screening isn’t a deep-dive interview—it’s a high-level conversation meant to address red flags, ensure your experience aligns with the role, and confirm that this opportunity is a mutual fit.
One key thing to remember: the person interviewing you is likely not your future boss or hiring manager. Most initial screenings are conducted by someone in HR or recruiting, and they may not have a technical understanding of your role. Instead, they’re working off a checklist, ensuring you meet key qualifications and identifying any deal-breakers.
A great recruiter will be able to present the role in a way that makes sense, but don’t assume they have in-depth knowledge of your day-to-day responsibilities. Go in expecting a broad conversation, not a technical interrogation.
Tip 2: Do High-Level Research
Screenings are all about quick checkboxes and broad overviews—so match that energy. Before your call, do some basic research: look up your interviewer on LinkedIn, review the company’s website, and refresh your memory on the job posting. You don’t need to go deep, but knowing the basics shows you’re engaged and prepared.
That said, it’s okay to ask questions! Use a light, conversational approach—something like: “You know how job applications go—I came across this role and was intrigued, but I’d love to hear your take on it.”
If you can, find common ground with your interviewer and use it to build rapport. These screenings are usually quick (15–30 minutes), often casual, and typically over the phone, so don’t overprepare or try to force a deep dive. Stay focused on the goal: confirming fit and moving to the next step.
Tip 3: Go in with a Goal
Just like the employer has an agenda for this screening, you should too. What do you need to know to determine if this role is a good fit? Do you want to confirm the pay range? Understand the remote work policy? Get a better sense of company culture?
Employment is a two-way street, so use this time to ask high-level questions that matter to you. Keep in mind that the recruiter may not know the day-to-day specifics of the role, but they should be able to answer broad questions about company policies, expectations, and next steps. And don’t be afraid to inject some personality! My personal goal? I always try to make the other person laugh.
Tip 4: Active Listening
Don’t just follow a script. Yes, you’ll be sharing details about your experience, but active listening can take your responses to the next level.
By staying flexible, you can connect your answers to what’s already been discussed. For example, if the recruiter mentions a key requirement, you can respond with: “Great question! I saw in the job posting that you’re looking for someone with experience in this area. In my last role, I was in charge of…”
This approach not only keeps the conversation natural but also shows that you’re engaged, adaptable, and able to think on your feet—qualities any employer will appreciate.
Tip 5: Tone Matters
Easier said than done, but try to keep your tone positive and professional. Speak well of your past experiences and be kind—even if you’re feeling frustrated.
Remember, the recruiter doesn’t know you’ve had four screenings this week that went nowhere. They don’t know what’s happening in your life, just like you don’t know what’s happening in theirs. Take a deep breath, reset, and give your answer as if it’s the first time you’re saying it. Keeping a good attitude can make all the difference.
Tip 6: Wrap It Up with Three Questions or Less
As the interview progresses, you may naturally have questions, but always close with up to three key questions that align with your goals. What do you need to know before moving forward? Here are a few solid options:
What led to this role being open?
What is the team’s hiring timeline?
What type of person thrives in this organization?
How has your experience been with this company?
Tip 7: Don’t Take It Personally
Rejection and ghosting are unfortunate realities of job searching in the digital age. Sometimes your information gets passed over, the screener doesn’t vibe with your answers, or they misinterpret what the hiring team needs. None of that means you weren’t qualified.
Most recruiters are just trying to do their jobs, often on autopilot, and many aren’t technical experts in what you do. If they choose someone else, it’s not necessarily a reflection on your abilities—it’s just the way the process shakes out. You deserve feedback, but more often than not, you’ll receive a generic rejection email (if you get one at all).
If you’re really interested in the role, follow up every 2–3 days for up to two weeks based on their timeline. Even if they say “we’ll update you in 1–2 weeks,” a check-in every four days is reasonable if you feel strongly about the opportunity. Find creative ways to stay on their radar—but if they ghost you, don’t take it personally. In fact, ghosting is a blessing in disguise—it tells you this company values processes over people. And you don’t want to work for them anyway.
Final Thoughts: Keep Moving Forward
The job search can be brutal, but don’t let it shake your confidence. Instead, use every screening to:
Confirm your interest
Gather key information
Make a stranger smile
You never know what doors a kind, engaging conversation can open—even if you never hear back. Rejection and ghosting suck, but every “no” is just bringing you closer to the right “yes.” Keep going: Your next opportunity is out there!
