3rd June 2025

A telephone display interview is a comparatively fast name between a job candidate and a member of the hiring group (normally a recruiter or a human sources consultant).

Usually, telephone screens are step one of the interview course of. They’re distinct from telephone interviews, which occur with a hiring supervisor later within the interview course of and contain extra in-depth, behavioral questions.

On this article, we’ll talk about the goals of a telephone display, and what qualities recruiters are — and aren’t — searching for. We’ll additionally present examples of questions you may be requested throughout a telephone display.

What’s a telephone display interview?

Throughout a telephone display, the recruiter shares common details about the position, together with the job’s duties, location, wage vary and distant work coverage. Additionally they ask questions on your work expertise, profession targets and curiosity within the firm. The decision usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, in response to Robert Half, a human sources consulting agency.

The target of a telephone display is for the recruiter to filter out individuals who aren’t a great match, says Michael Steinitz, senior govt director {of professional} expertise options at Robert Half.

Which means recruiters search for pink flags from candidates. A unhealthy interview might stop a candidate from advancing to the subsequent stage of the method.

In line with a number of recruiting companies, these pink flags would possibly embody:

  • One-word solutions.

  • A number of interruptions.

  • An lack of ability to say why they’re within the job.

  • Problem describing earlier work expertise.

  • Little information of the corporate or position.

  • Basic rudeness or gruffness.  

A telephone display offers candidates an opportunity to filter out employers, as nicely. Which means it’s a great time to talk up if any of the expectations shared through the name don’t line up along with your needs or wants. The recruiter usually can ask if sure necessities are up for dialogue.

Examples of telephone display interview questions

Whereas telephone display questions are normally less complicated and extra easy than telephone interview questions, it’s best to nonetheless be ready to talk particularly about your expertise and expectations.

“For any interview, it doesn’t matter what it’s, it’s best to at all times have some stage of preparation,” Steinitz says.

In line with a number of job search specialists, listed here are examples of telephone display interview questions you can use to organize in your name.

Questions on your work expertise might embody:

  • What are your duties in your present job? (or: What have been your duties in your earlier position?)

  • How acquainted are you with [specific software or tool]?

Concerning your curiosity within the position, the recruiter would possibly ask:

  • Why are you interested by this place?

  • What do you want in regards to the firm and its mission?

  • What makes you a great match for this place? 

To see in case your work type and profession targets align with the place, a recruiter would possibly ask:

  • The place do you see your self in 5 years?

  • What are a few of your strengths and weaknesses within the office? 

Lastly, some common questions on wage and logistics might embody:

  • When are you accessible to start out working?

  • Are you keen to commute into the workplace/office X days per week?

Tips on how to put together for a telephone display interview

Keep in mind: that is additionally your likelihood to suss out whether or not the job is an efficient match for you. Take into consideration what would preserve you from accepting a job supply — whether or not that’s a sure wage or quantity of trip time — and ask the recruiter for extra info on these elements.

Plus, having questions ready will make you look ready, considerate and such as you’re taking the chance significantly.

Hold your questions broad, the Indiana College Southeast’s Profession Growth Heart recommends. Be at liberty to ask for common details about the job or the corporate, however keep away from asking about specifics that the recruiter or HR consultant might not know.

If the recruiter leaves out job particulars that might provide help to determine whether or not you wish to proceed with the interview course of, ask for that info. That would embody your splendid wage vary, advantages or distant work flexibility.

Listed below are different steered questions from Steinitz:

  • How lengthy have you ever been with the corporate?

  • What do you want about working on the firm?

  • Who beforehand held the place I’m making use of for, and the place are they now?

Simply earlier than the telephone display, put your telephone on Do Not Disturb and disable any apps that will ship notifications through the name.

In the course of the name, give attention to talking clearly, listening fastidiously and successfully answering any questions you’re requested. In case you verify these bins, you’ll enhance your possibilities of transferring onto the subsequent spherical of interviews.

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