Top Questions to Expect During a Prescreening Interview
Prescreening Interview Questions | Examples & Tips | Resume.com
Prescreening interviews are an efficient technique for narrowing the field of applicants during the hiring process. Knowing how to prepare for and navigate prescreening interviews can help you to stand out from your peers and make a good impression on potential employers. This article explains what prescreening interviews are, discusses what kinds of questions to expect and offers some tips on how to prepare successfully.
What is a prescreening interview?
A prescreening interview is a preliminary qualifying process that narrows the applicant pool before the next stage of interviewing. Employers use pre-screening interviews to determine if candidates meet the basic requirements for the role and to eliminate any individuals who are unqualified for the position. Pre-screening interviews help employers to use their resources wisely by reserving in-person interviews for only the most promising applicants. Employers typically conduct prescreening interviews over the phone or through a written survey. If you meet all the requirements and seem to be a good fit for the company, the employer will then reach out to schedule an in-person interview.
Why are prescreening interviews important?
Prescreening interviews are an opportunity for you to make a good impression on your potential employer. Your performance during the prescreening interview is crucial because it will influence whether or not you are invited to participate in the next stage of the hiring process. If you are able to successfully communicate an overview of your skills and qualifications during the prescreening process, you are more likely to become a memorable candidate.
Common prescreening interview questions
Here is a list of some of the most common prescreening interview questions:
What are your goals for professional development?
This is often one of the first questions you will encounter in a prescreening interview. Employers ask about your goals in order to determine if your objectives align with the company’s vision. Candidates who have solid, achievable goals are more likely to be driven and focused at work. This question also helps employers to find out if the position in question would be beneficial in helping you to grow professionally. It is a good idea to write down a list of goals in preparation for your interview.
What type of work environment/management style do you prefer?
Employers ask this question to help them eliminate applicants who would not fit in well with the company’s culture. For example, if the company promotes a relaxed and casual workplace atmosphere, the employer is not likely to hire you if you require structure and formality. Similarly, if you cannot perform well without direct supervision, you are unlikely to thrive in a position that requires you to work alone.
Why are you interested in this particular role/company?
This question allows employers to find out which candidates have not thoroughly researched the rule or the company. It also gives you a chance to share why you are excited about this particular opportunity. The best answers to this question show genuine enthusiasm and investment. Making direct references to the job description or the company’s mission statement helps you to make a good impression.
How do you manage meeting multiple deadlines?
Prescreening interviews frequently include questions that relate to the job’s specific duties. For instance, if the job requires time management skills or technical expertise, the employer might ask detailed questions to help them eliminate unqualified applicants. To answer these questions successfully, you should carefully read the job description and make sure you are capable of carrying out the required duties and managing the workload.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced at work? How did you overcome it?
Questions about past work experience help employers to understand what qualities a candidate could contribute to the company. Overcoming challenges is a common topic because it gives you the opportunity to tell a brief story that highlights your skills. A good answer to this question shows that you are capable of handling adversity or stress in the workplace. Preparing an answer to this question ahead of time helps you to answer confidently and concisely.
What motivates you to succeed professionally?
This question allows you to reveal some information about your personality and values. There is a variety of good answers to this question, including providing for your family, a sense of accomplishment or a desire to serve your community. How you answer this question helps the employer to understand how they might effectively manage you if you were to become an employee. It can also help them learn where your priorities lie.
What is your proficiency level with [insert specific type of software or equipment]?
Prescreening interviews are often used to eliminate candidates who do not have the skill set necessary for a particular job. To determine whether you are qualified, employers often ask about your experience with a certain type of equipment, tool or computer software. In some industries, you might be required to prove your proficiency level by completing a short assessment or test. Preparing for skills-based questions ahead of time is often a critical step in preparing for a prescreening interview.
What salary range are you looking for?
At the end of the prescreening interview, the employer often asks several questions regarding your employment requirements. A common topic is your desired salary range. If you are looking for a higher salary than the company can pay and are unable to negotiate, the employer will likely remove you from the list of potential hires. Employers may also ask about your preferences regarding pay schedules, overtime rates or benefits.
If you are hired, when can you begin working?
The final question asked is often related to your availability. If an employer decides that you are qualified for the position, they will likely want you to start work as soon as possible. If two applicants are equally qualified but only one is available to begin working immediately, the employer may choose to pursue the candidate with a more flexible schedule. Before applying to a job, it is always a good idea to determine what day you can start and to make sure you keep your schedule as flexible as possible.
Tips for handling pre-screening interviews
Here are some tips for successfully preparing for and navigating a prescreening interview:
Make time to practice
How well you do during a prescreening interview often depends on well you prepare. If you set aside time to anticipate questions and carefully practice your answers, you are more likely to seem confident and capable during the interview.
Find out what to expect
Before the prescreening interview, be sure you understand what to expect in terms of the format. Knowing whether to look for an email or a phone call can help you prepare more effectively. If you are filling out a survey, write down your answers in advance so that you can be sure to finish on time. If you are unsure about any part of the process, double-check with your contact at the company before the scheduled date.
Do your research
Before the interview, spend some time reading over the job listing and the company’s website. Make sure you meet all the qualifications and that you have the right skills for the job. If you are expecting a phone call, find out the name of the person you will be speaking to. Thorough preparation will help you feel confident and equipped to succeed.
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