As impersonal as these can be, many companies conduct first level screening this way. Instead of getting annoyed, learn what these calls are designed to do and nail these conversations.
Remember that if a phone screen is even occurring in the first place, it's because the employer has already determined that there is a baseline match with your resume. Because of this, the caller will typically want to conduct a very brief and highly focused inquiry on whatever they couldn't get off the resume such as...
• Search status (on or off the job market)
• Search preferences (ideal commute, desired job title, salary expectations)
• Communication skills (how you articulate yourself)
• Technical/ functional match (past mere buzzwords on the resume, is there truly a fit?)
• Filling holes (looking for certain required skills that may not be on your resume)
• Scheduling (get you set up for first round)
Location, location, location
Work and home numbers are both risky with who may have access to your line inadvertently (what's worse...having your 4 year old or your boss answer the phone when a recruiting call comes in?). Use your cell so you can maintain complete control over who can answer it. And avoid any place with background noise or where you can't speak candidly. If you're not in an ideal location, just tell them you'll move and call them right back . They'll understand.
Cheat!
If the company calling is one that you're very interested in, apologize and ask if you can call them right back. This will give you the chance to jump online and research both the company and job description. Many phone screens go poorly simply because the candidate gets caught off guard and can't remember which of the 50 postings they applied to this call pertains to.
Keep it Simple
Let the interviewer drive the conversation. Phone screens are meant to be quick screening tools, that's it. People who take this as an opportunity to launch a long winded campaign for why they are a great fit for the job can sometimes turn the screener off by talking too much.
Clarify your interest
At the end, make sure to tell them you are very interested and ask them if they feel you are qualified for the position. If they say "yes", suggest that you would like an opportunity to meet with them in person and give them your availability. By being proactive, you may have just saved 3 days of phone tag to coordinate a time that works for both of you.
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