The phone rings, unknown number. "Hi, this is [Name] from [company], I saw your application. Do you have five minutes?" You're on the subway, or in the middle of lunch. You answer as best you can, hang up, and think you should have done better.

The phone screen is a first-round filter: short, informal on the surface, but eliminating.

What the recruiter checks in 20 minutes

  • Consistency: does your resume match what you say?
  • Motivation: do you know why you want this role?
  • Practical criteria: availability, notice period, salary, location, remote work.
  • Communication: can you express yourself clearly without wandering?

On the phone, voice matters even more than in person: it's all they have.

Before: be ready without warning

Recruiters often call without an appointment. So prepare a small cheat sheet as soon as you apply:

  • the posting, or its key points, handy on your phone or computer;
  • your two-minute introduction (how to build it);
  • your salary range (how to answer);
  • your notice period and availability;
  • paper and a pen.

If the call comes at a bad moment, don't answer halfway: "Thanks for calling, I'm on the move. Could we pick a time within the hour?" A recruiter would rather call back than talk to someone who isn't listening.

During: good habits

Smile as you speak. It can be heard.

Stand up or sit straight. Your voice is steadier.

Be brief. Forty-five seconds to a minute per answer. Attention drops quickly on the phone.

Don't read. Notes are anchors, not a script.

Take notes: the interviewer's name, role details, next steps.

Ask about next steps before hanging up: "What's the next stage, and on what timeline?"

Typical questions

  • Can you introduce yourself briefly?
  • Why this role? Why us?
  • Why are you looking right now? (how to answer)
  • What are your salary expectations?
  • When could you start?
  • Are you interviewing elsewhere?

Common mistakes

  • Answering from a noisy street. It's better to reschedule.
  • Over-sharing on salary. A range is useful, but avoid volunteering your current pay if you can.
  • Asking no questions. One or two are enough: "What does a typical day look like?"
  • Not following up. After a positive call with no follow-through, reach out within a week: see how to follow up.
Key takeaway: on the phone, everything rides on your voice: be brief, structured, and prepared before they even call.

If you send many applications, a call may come from a company you've forgotten. Keep your list of applications within reach: in Prepint, each application keeps its posting and your notes, so you can pull them up in seconds mid-call. For what comes after, see how to track your applications.