How to Ace Your Next Phone Screening Interview | CAREEREALISM

The reality is that the HR person’s role is screen OUT more than screen IN: to look for any excuse to reject rather than accept a candidate. The human impulse to help people can be replaced by the “inhuman,” unforgiving response to any typographical error or small doubt about any given candidate. It isn’t about whether any given candidate might be able do the job if given a chance.  Rather, it is about winnowing the field to find five or 10 exceptional candidates out of hundreds to pass on to the hiring manager.

I know this to be true because I used to be one of those people: sorting through the resumes, dealing with Applicant Tracking Systems, and conducting those initial phone interviews. The wise job hunter will look at the phone screening interview as a prized opportunity to gain an initial advocate. Here are tips how to do so:

1. SPOON FEED INFORMATION IN A WAY THE INTERVIEWER WANTS IT

2. BE COOPERATIVE, AND UNDERSTAND EACH QUESTION HAS A PURPOSE THAT ISN’T ALWAYS OBVIOUS

3. DON’T BE DEFENSIVE OR COY

4. DON’T WASTE TIME WITH PROCESS QUESTIONS

via How to Ace Your Next Phone Screening Interview | CAREEREALISM.