The first thing to recognize is that if a phone screen is occurring, it's because the employer has read your resume and already determined that there is a baseline match. This is important to recognize so you don't feel that you have to work "from scratch" to make your case. Always assume they know/ like your background. Most phone screens are typically a brief and highly focused inquiry on whatever they couldn't get off the resume such as...
- Search status (are you on or off the job market?)
- Search preferences (what's your ideal commute, desired job title, salary expectations?)
- Communication skills (how do you articulate yourself?)
- Technical/ functional match (past mere buzzwords on the resume, is there truly a fit?)
- Personality match (are your attitudes and behaviors a match for the role/ team?)
- Filling holes (are there certain skills they want that may not be listed on your resume?)
Here's a few tips for nailing a phone screen...
Be enthused
Always start the call off with a level of enthusiasm about the job and appreciation for the call. "Oh, I'm so glad you called Joe. Thank you. This job was really interesting to me. What more can I tell you about my background?" By simply being gracious and appreciative, you will give the phone screener a more positive vibe.
Location, location, location
Work and home numbers are both risky to give out as a contact number because of who may have access to your line inadvertently (what's worse...having your 4 year old answer the phone when a recruiter calls...or your boss?). Use your cell so you can maintain complete control over who can answer it and the location in which you conduct the call. This way you can move yourself when the call comes to a place with no background noise and where you can speak candidly. If you do find yourself in a bad location, just tell the manager/ HR rep you'll call them right back and relocate yourself. They'll understand.
Be prepared!
If the company calling is one that you're very interested in, think about apologizing that you are not available at that very moment and ask if you can call them back that same day. This will give you the chance to jump online and research both the company and job description a bit more before speaking with them. Many phone screens go poorly simply because the candidate gets caught off guard and can't remember which of the 50 jobs they applied to that the manager is calling from. Also, try to have boilerplate responses to the standard Q's ( why are you looking to leave your current company? What salary are you looking for? What type of position do you seek? Give me an example of where you were in a difficult situation? What are your biggest strengths, weaknesses?). Be prepared, but if you're not, don't hesitate to reschedule for later on in the day.
Let them drive
Let the interviewer drive the conversation. Remember that phone screens are for THEM not you and are meant to be quick screening tools that supplement your resume, that's it. People who take this phone call 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 or taking up to much of their time. Let them control the conversation and once they are finished, you can certainly express your interest. However, do this quickly. The phone screener has to screen 100's of people a wee, they can't have long, in-depth "chats' with every candidate.
Facilitate next steps
If the call goes well, ask about next steps. If they say that you are qualified, be proactive and give them your interview availability. This will cut back on another set up calls to determine your schedule, once the manager's is known. If the manager's schedule is known, they may be able to schedule you right there and then.