How to Prepare for a Recruiter Interview Call

What to expect from a Recruiter Interview Call

Embarking on a job search journey can be both thrilling and challenging. As you diligently apply to roles and navigate through the job landscape, the moment a recruiter reaches out for a screening interview is a significant milestone. Let's dive into what you should anticipate from this encounter and how you can prepare to make a lasting impression.

In this blog, we’ll go through the industry tips and tricks to successfully make a good first impression with a Recruiter, we’ll review:

- What are recruiters expecting during your interview?

- What are recruiters looking for?

- How to prepare for your conversation

- How you approach a recruiter

What are recruiters expecting during your interview?

Recruiters want to see you've done your homework. During the call, they'll assess your understanding of the company and the role. They'll also be looking for a cultural fit, gauging your communication, enthusiasm, teamwork, and passion.

As a candidate, emphasize your transferable skills and proven track record. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to showcase the value you can bring.

To accomplish this, we'll go into how to prepare ahead for the incoming call.

How to Prepare for a Recruiter Screening Call?

Building a strong relationship with the recruiter is key. They can advocate for you to hiring managers and will provide you with details to help you understand the company, position, and project.

To begin building your relationship with the recruiter, they will need to be fully informed about who you are, what you’re looking for and why you're interested in the job you’re applying to.

To be successful in what's ahead, have this preparation checklist in front of you:

-         Research-

Company and Job Role:

Understand who, what, why, when and how the company you’re interviewing with will provide you with insights into the culture, mission, ways of working, and how you can make an impact.

Create a list of questions from the research you’ve read up on to ask that are important to you to know more about.

-         Documents-

CV:

Have your CV present with you as the conversation with the recruiter will pick out areas of your CV to elaborate and go into depth on.

Job Description:

Have the job description in front of you as the recruiter will ask you about key criteria needed for the job role they’re hiring for and refer this to your experience and skill set.

-         Preparation-

Elevator Pitch:

Write down an elevator pitch lasting 20-60 seconds to discuss who are you, what your current/most recent role was, why you’re interested in the company and how you fit the requirements of the role you’re applying to.

-        Questions-

What is important for you?

It sounds like a simple question but it’s critical to have this noted in front of you.

Keep in mind the questions to answer:

• What are your salary expectations?
• What is your notice period?
• What are your motivations?
• What do you want in your next role?

How to Approach a Recruiter Screening Call?

Remember that a recruiter isn’t just assessing your qualifications and experience but also your personality and how well you fit into their culture and the team. By being prepared and asking insightful questions, you'll showcase your communication skills and increase your chances of landing the next interview.

-         Ask for adjustments:

If you require any adjustments to help you take a call, then raise this with the recruiter as they’ll accommodate you.

-         Don’t rush; take your time:

Take a deep breath if you’re nervous and don’t panic, this is an introductory call for the recruiter to get to know you more. Don’t rush into answering questions if you’re unsure what they’re asking, ask for clarification or to repeat and then answer calmly.

-         Ask what you want to know:

Have a list of questions to ask that are important to you to know about them as an organisation. Write down and tick them off throughout the conversation to make sure you can make a judgement about the opportunity they present you.

• What is important to you culturally and to your work/life balance?
• Who will be your line manager? What are they like?
• What is the team environment like?
• What development or progression opportunities are available?

-         Take the call in an appropriate space:

Don’t be in an environment that has background noise or distractions throughout the call.

Conclusion: It’s A Two-Way Partnership

A recruiter’s job is to be your agent and representative throughout the interview process, the more you can inform them, the more they can partner with the hiring decision-makers. The conversation during the interview will be a starting base for the recruiter to represent you to their hiring managers and will pass you through if they feel that you’re a suitable match. This is why it’s critical to remember that it’s a two-way conversation as this will illustrate your communication and consultation skills.

Have these tips and techniques in front of you as this will help you throughout the interview process with organisations.

This relationship kicks off with your first call and is a prime opportunity to make a positive impression on the organisation you wish to hopefully join!

Good luck!