Screening Interview: Best Tips & Strategies for a Successful Interview

Screening interviews can make or break your chances of landing a job. They serve as a way for employers to filter out less qualified candidates and determine who will move on to further rounds of interviewing.

According to research, the more a person has been hired previously, the higher their chance of making it through a screening interview, roughly 30-50%. Meanwhile, the less experienced the candidate, the lower the chance of success in this round, only 10-30%.

This shows just how crucial it is to be well-prepared for screening interviews. A screening interview takes adequate planning, preparation, and a bit of courage to be successful. In this blog post, we provide helpful insights and tips so you can excel at screening interviews and stand out from other applicants vying for the same position. Whether it’s through a phone call, video conference, or questionnaire, we’ve got you covered!

What is a Screening Interview?

A screening interview is the first step in the hiring process. Employers use these interviews to assess if an applicant meets their requirements and would be suitable for the position. It can happen over the phone, through video calls, via face-to-face meetings, or even through questionnaires.

The end goal of this process is to make a list of potential candidates who will continue with further interviews. Recruiters do this to make sure you have the right qualifications and skills for the job, so only eligible candidates are able to reach the next step.

Screening Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some screening interview questions and answers:

1. What do you know about our company?

Before responding to this question in an interview, be sure to research the company’s website, mission, products/services, and recent news. Learn the culture and values as well. Demonstrate your understanding by sharing key facts and keeping the answer brief.

I truly value the modern workplace standards your company upholds because they encourage employees to be original and creative. Your dedication to using innovation to overcome any potential boundaries is what stands out. I hope I can contribute my knowledge to it. I also found the most recent technology advancements in one of your company’s applications to be impressive. I want to be part of such initiatives.

2. Explain your current duties at work

Start by providing a brief overview of your role or position, including any relevant job titles. Then, list out the main responsibilities and tasks that you are responsible for in your current role. Be sure to highlight any notable achievements or projects that demonstrate your skills and qualifications for the job you are applying. 

At the moment, I have been given the responsibility of serving as a Project Lead for an application launch at ABC Developer Ltd. due to my skills and expertise in software development, along with deep learning proficiency. Additionally, I am recognized for my capacity to work with a team which makes me suitable for this role as well. My job also requires me to be creative and come up with new ideas, something I thoroughly enjoy and excel at.

3. Give me a tour of your resume

To answer this screening interview question, you should provide an overview of your education, work experience, and any relevant skills or achievements in reverse chronological order starting with your most recent role. This can include highlighting your most recent positions, key responsibilities, and accomplishments within those roles. 

I worked in the sales department at Atchison Corporation for the past two years. I began as a sales representative and transitioned into a senior position in my first year. I presently manage the servicing of roughly 30 clients while managing a team of 5 salesmen.  In my first year, I received a special recognition award for increasing sales revenue. I was also in charge of the annual summit held by the company for the last year. Aside from this, I possess a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Delhi University and I also completed my schooling from Delhi.

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Begin by sharing your career goals and explain how they align with the company’s potential growth. Highlight your dedication to helping the organization succeed and emphasize on why you are a good long-term fit based on your skills and aspirations.

I’m excited to get a chance to work in your well-reputed firm. As a professional, I want to keep evolving and improving. I plan to become a Sales Manager after gaining relevant experience and honing my skills. I think your esteemed company can offer me the right guidance and growth opportunities to achieve my goals. Hence, I would like a chance to learn and contribute to the success of the company.

You can also use the SOAR framework during an interview to stand out from other candidates.

5. What interests you about this job?

This is an opportunity to show your excitement for the job by showcasing how it complements your abilities and professional aspirations. You should also talk about any unique elements of the organization or role that may have piqued your interest.

This job offers a unique opportunity to test and improve my skills. By overcoming the challenges I’ll encounter, not only will I develop personally and professionally but also contribute positively towards furthering the company’s success.

6. What is your management style?

When asked about your management style, provide a concise explanation of how you lead and manage teams. Highlight the importance of effective communication, motivation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and goal-setting methods in your approach. 

Although I can work with a variety of personalities and management styles, I find that an environment that fosters creativity connects with me the most. I don’t respond well to over-analysis, therefore, I like to give my team the space to grow and come up with original ideas to resolve problems. I also believe in maintaining healthy communication among team members to ensure smooth workflow.

7. What skills can you offer the company?

Highlight what distinguishes you from others while answering this question, describe how you use your talents effectively and provide concrete examples as evidence for your claims.

My work experience has given me a strong foundation in Java and C++ programming. I’m an expert at handling many projects at once and have experience creating JavaScript applications. In addition, I’m working on developing a platform for hosting websites, which is an essential part of a bigger software project I’m developing. I believe my experience and industry knowledge can be a good asset to the company.

8. What ignites your passion?

To answer this question, you must be honest and authentic. Think about what truly excites you, motivates you, and makes you feel fulfilled. Share a specific example or experience that showcases this passion and how it relates to the job or company to which you are applying. 

I am captivated by the fact that I can discover something new every day. Data Analysis is an area where I get to understand new market trends on a regular basis. This makes Data Analysis an ideal profession for me. I strive to learn and grow in this field further.

9. How did you find out about this job?

Begin by indicating the means by which you came across this job opportunity. Whether it was through a job listing platform, the organization’s official website, a recommendation from someone you know or work with, or an employment agent. 

I have been looking for employment opportunities that fit my skills. Fortunately, I came across this position on a job board.

If you are looking for a new job, check out the latest jobs in Delhi.

Types of Screening Interviews & Tips to Prepare for Them

Regardless of what kind of job you are applying for, whether it’s online or work-from-home jobs, the following are some screening interview tips that can enhance your chance of getting the job.

1. Screening Interview via Phone

Here are some useful tips to know before a screening interview over the phone:

• Verify the Scheduled Time – Confirm the time and date of your interview beforehand to make sure you are adequately prepared. To ensure that you are prepared for the scheduled interview, consider noting down the time, by putting it on your calendar, or setting a phone reminder. Being on time can help you create a positive first impression on a potential employer.
• Know the Caller’s Identity – Interviews can be done by recruiters, a recruiting manager, or the immediate boss of the organization. To find out your interviewer’s position in the company, conduct an online search.
• Prepare your Interview Space – Be sure to find a quiet environment where you can be undisturbed for the duration of your interview. Make any necessary adjustments ahead of time in order to ensure things go smoothly during the interview process.

2. Screening Interview via Video Call

Video call can be a great tool for screening interviews and offers much more insight into the candidate than a phone interview. Below are some video call screening interview tips:

• Select an Appropriate Area- Opt for a plain wall as a backdrop, without any decor or imagery that may draw attention away from you. Good lighting is crucial for a successful virtual interview. You can either sit near a window or use artificial light to ensure your face is well-lit.
• Avoid Distractions as Much as Possible- Turn off your television, quiet your phone, turn off any alarms, and shut off all other computer programs.
• Dress Professionally- When preparing for your video interview, it is important to dress just as professionally as you would for an in-person interview. It’s best to avoid bold and eye-catching colors or busy patterns. Instead, go for more gentle and subtle colors. If you are wearing a tie, stick with solid colors rather than patterns.
• Practise Video Calls Beforehand- Have a practice call with a friend or member of your family to evaluate the technology you’ll be using. Ask relatives to evaluate your look and eye contact using the same software that your interviewer will use. Run it through a few times to make sure everything feels natural.

3. Screening Interview via Questionnaire

While the chances that you will get a questionnaire for a screening interview are fairly rare, it’s best to be prepared. By using questionnaires employers can quickly evaluate numerous applicants without needing to talk with each one individually. Here are some questionnaire screening interview tips:

• Be Brief and Concise- Since time is of the essence with this one, it’s critical to provide the interviewer with all the important information quickly.
• Send a Thank-You Email- If you know you are competing with a crowd, do your best to stand out. Sending a thank-you note to the firm will show them that you appreciate them giving you the chance to interview. Remind the interviewer of your qualifications and your enthusiasm for the opportunity to be considered for the job.

Conclusion

The screening interview is a chance for you to demonstrate your eligibility for the job. A good start can give you an advantage over other candidates and increase your chances of progressing in the hiring process. Thorough preparation is key, whether it’s a phone, video, or questionnaire interview. Take time to plan, act confidently, and remain positive to ensure that your interview goes as smoothly as possible. If you wish to learn how to ace any interview, pursue this internship and job preparation course.

Here are common interview questions and answers you can practice to effectively equip yourself for your upcoming interview. If this blog was helpful, tell us what you would like us to write about next in the comments section.