Mastering the screening interview

When an employer calls to say, "We'd like discuss your qualifications a bit," what they are really saying is, "we want to know more about your skills and verify your resume before we offer you an interview." Human Resources refer to this interview as the Screening Interview. In a job market like today's where there are so many candidates applying, this kind of screening process becomes more popular and is used frequently.

This initial employer contact is designed to narrow the pool of acceptable candidates and determine who to call in for a complete interview. This can be done by telephone or face-to-face. Be prepared for either option.

Telephone interview
The interviewer knows they may catch you off guard. They often call in the evening or on weekends. I've personally conducted a lot of these for employers and I'm amazed at how many people say it is OK to talk when there is obviously TV, loud children, and distracting events going on around them. Preparation is the key to success and this screening is your first hurdle. When you get this kind of call, tell the person you are just finishing something and ask to call them back in ten minutes. Then prepare yourself.

Keep in mind, these interviews usually last 20 minutes. Find a quiet spot, get your resume out and think about the questions they will ask. The employer's objective is to clarify experience and salary expectations. Mentally rehearse your answers. Have a pen and paper in front of you. Jot down their name and take notes as they ask you questions. Smile, so your voice sounds friendly.

Demonstrate you have the experience to do the job with answers that offer examples of your past performance and reiterate your top strengths and key selling points. Be concise - keep answers less than 60 seconds and above all sound interested and enthusiastic about the job. The worst thing you can do is to sound monotonal, uninterested, and dull.

The screening interview weeds out the unqualified and overpriced. The disadvantage for you is that the human resource person is often not specifically familiar with all the details of the job. They are generalists and seek to validate job experience, not job potential. To move to the next level you must convince this person that you CAN do the job.

Face-to-Face Interview
This is a one-on-one interview often conducted by a well-trained interviewer, such as a Human Resources person. Interviews usually last about 15-20 minutes and are used to evaluate your appearance, communication skills, level of preparedness, and to verify your skills & past experience. All in-person interviews require a firm handshake, smile, eye contact, enthusiasm and rapport-building demeanor. Be open and self-confident, sending the message that you can solve their problems and do the job. Keep answers short, but do offer examples of past success and achievements.

One Major Caution
Salary questions are tricky. The figure spoken is often used as a measuring stick to screen you out by getting a true handle on your "real" skill level. So, best to avoid answering any questions on salary until you have been offered the job. If questioned, respond to the interview by inquiring "What is the range this job pays?"

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Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, CNN, CNBC and is considered America's top career coach. She is the best-selling author of: 60 Seconds & You're Hired!; Winning Resumes; Winning Cover Letters, and What to Do with the Rest of Your Life. She's the creator of the highly acclaimed audio training program Interview Advantage and The DreamMaker. Robin's passion is helping people find better jobs which she successfully does through her career counseling practice where she offers individual career coaching and resume writing services. A popular national speaker, Robin has spoken to over a thousand audiences on improving their lives and obtaining greater success. To purchase products or contact Robin visit her Web site at www.robinryan.com.