The recruiter screen
Phone screen interview questions
Before any hiring manager, a recruiter calls. Here is what they ask, what each question is really checking, and what to say.
The ten questions, and what to say
Recruiters use the same list for every candidate, so these come up on almost every call. Each one is a quiet check.
-
QUESTION 1
“Tell me about yourself.”
They're checking: Whether your story points at this job, told in about a minute.
SayNow, with one result. Before, with one highlight that fits the posting. Next, and why this role is it.
Don't sayYour life story, every job in order, or “it's all on my résumé.”
-
QUESTION 2
“Are you actively looking?”
They're checking: How interested and available you really are.
SayYour honest status, what you're focused on, and why this role fits it.
Don't say“I'll take anything at this point.”
-
QUESTION 3
“What have you been up to?”
They're checking: Whether a gap or a change has a simple explanation.
SayWhat happened, what you did with the time, and that you're ready. Three sentences.
Don't say“It's a long story,” or private detail you'd rather not discuss.
-
QUESTION 4
“Why are you leaving your current job?”
They're checking: How you talk about employers. Nearly half of hiring managers call badmouthing one a deal breaker.
SayWhat you're moving toward, and that this role has it.
Don't say“My manager is terrible.” Name a process, never a person.
-
QUESTION 5
“What are you looking for in your next role?”
They're checking: Fit. Anything the role can't offer can rule you out.
SayTwo or three things you want, each of which this role offers.
Don't say“I'm open to anything,” or a wish list the job can't meet.
-
QUESTION 6
“What interests you about this role?”
They're checking: Whether you read the posting and know what the company does.
SayOne detail from the posting, one fact about the company, and your link to both.
Don't say“It seems like a great company.”
-
QUESTION 7
“What are your salary expectations?”
They're checking: Whether you fit the budget, and how much room there is later.
SayAsk for their range first. If pressed, give a researched range for this role.
Don't sayOne low number, or “whatever you think is fair.”
-
QUESTION 8
“What are you making now?”
They're checking: How much room they have to negotiate with you.
Say“I keep my current pay private, but for this role I'm targeting [your range].”
Don't sayYour current pay. It becomes the anchor for the offer.
-
QUESTION 9
“When could you start, and are you interviewing elsewhere?”
They're checking: Timing, and whether you're likely to accept.
SayA clear notice period, and a short, honest status on other processes.
Don't sayA bluff about offers you don't have.
-
QUESTION 10
“Do you have any questions for me?”
They're checking: Real interest in the job.
SayAsk about the team, the next steps, and the budgeted range.
Don't say“No, I think you covered everything.”
Practice the call out loud
An AI recruiter asks these questions, presses on the salary, and scores what it heard: your search story, the money, fit, logistics and delivery.
Practice the recruiter screen