The screening interview is your first step on the road to getting a job. Though it seems straightforward, we all know how important these brief calls can be. After all, if you don’t get past the screening interview, you won’t make it to the next (or final) cut.
This short conversation determines whether you will distinguish yourself from hundreds of applicants, and make it to the next, much smaller group of perhaps five or 10 candidates.
I recently interviewed Heather Grainger, the employee experience generalist at The Humphrey Group, which is the company I founded. She does most of the screening interviews in the company, and she has some excellent advice. Here are six things she advises when starting the application process and preparing for a screening interview:
1. CAREFULLY READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION
To begin with, read the job description carefully and follow all directions. Many applicants are culled simply because they ignore requirements that were set out. For example, the job posting may ask for a cover letter, but Grainger says many applicants fail to provide one. Or you may be asked to complete a knowledge test—another request that is often overlooked.
Some candidates never even see the job posting. They allow recruiting platforms to pass on their résumés to hiring companies. Consequently, there is little connection between the applicant and the job posting. The job seeker is not notified about special requirements, and so the application fails.
2. TAILOR YOUR SUBMISSION TO THE JOB
Grainger says to succeed in the screening interview, you’ll need to tailor your submission. Your cover letter should focus on the specific job you’re applying for. Too often candidates can’t be bothered to customize that letter, and they submit generic letters and generic résumés. Such applications are easily dismissed since there is a weak fit between the applicant’s qualifications and the job.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re writing to a man. (Heather Grainger has received “Dear Sir” cover letters, she says.) Try to figure out who is the hiring manager, and address your letter to them. Typos are also an application killer, so make sure to proofread.
Finally, beware of using AI for your submissions. Documents written by ChatGPT sound bland and generic, and may set off alarm bells for your interviewer.
3. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
Next, be sure to research the company—and use that information to show your enthusiasm for the job.
In this difficult job market, it’s important to wow the interviewer. Grainger advises that you go to the company’s website and discover what you like about that firm. Say “I love what you do” and “I know how important the work you do is” and “I am impressed with the programs you deliver.” Be as specific as you can.
Your knowledge and enthusiasm will help you make it to next round of interviews.
4. SHOW YOUR READINESS FOR THE ROLE
When you speak to the hiring manager, make clear that there’s a good fit between what you bring and what the job requires.
Describe yourself in a way that reflects the goals and responsibilities of the job. My recently published book, The Job Seeker’s Script, shows how to prepare a strong, confident story that positions you as an ideal candidate.
One useful approach is to study the job description and find words in it that capture what the hiring company is looking for. Then, embed those words in your own story or narrative.
Be sure to write down and rehearse this narrative, so that when you are in the interview, the story flows nicely and is delivered with conviction and ownership. Use confident language. Avoid filler words like “you know,” “um,” “yea,” “to be honest,” and “like.”
Strike a good balance between boastfulness and humility. Grainger advises that you avoid sounding too full of yourself, as in “I would be able to accomplish X in a very short time.” But also avoid weak or overly humble expressions like “I’m not sure,” “or “I don’t know.”
Remember that screening interviews are quite short, so create a script for yourself that is brief and to the point. “One interviewee tried to give his whole employment history in five minutes,” Grainger tells me. “He was speaking so fast I couldn’t tell what he was saying. I recognized he wouldn’t be great with clients.”
5. ASK GOOD QUESTIONS
Asking questions shows your keen interest in the position. They also help you learn more about the position, so you can better decide if the job is right for you.
Grainger suggests the following as useful questions:
- Why is this position being offered?
- What is a typical day like for the person in this role?
- Is there a hybrid work situation in your company?
- What is the salary range?
Asking about the salary range assumes this information has not been posted in the job description. It’s important to ask what the salary range is before you indicate what your salary expectations are. That way you can fit your expectations into their range.
6. HAVE A PROFESSIONAL LOOK
Finally, if your screening interview takes place via Zoom, make sure you project a professional image. Wear appropriate clothing. Grainger says “We’ve seen too many people interview in T-shirts, sweaters, and hats on backwards. Be prepared to look polished and business-like.”
Also have a professional background. Avoid unkempt rooms and pets roaming about, if possible. And make sure you have good lighting. Today, when so much work is virtual, the image you convey and the nature of your workspace becomes a crucial part of the screening interview.
