Have you been called for a screening interview, but you are not sure what is it or how to survive one? This type of interview is a type of job interview that determines if the applicants qualification is a good fit for the position the company is hiring. A screening interview is the first interview in the hiring process.

In most cases, screening interview includes a brief overview of your background and a list of questions designed to determine if you are viable candidate for the position. The type of questions are related about your qualifications but the interviewer may also want to know your salary requirements and availability to work.

This interview can be conducted through phone or in-person. In both cases, the interviewer will determine if the candidate is viable to move to the next stage of the interview process.

What Questions to Expect?

Usually, at this stage the interviewer is a recruiter or hiring manager and not an actual manager for the position. Therefore, functional questions can be asked during the interview. The interviewers goal is to create shortlist of appropriate candidates who will then continue on to the next round.

Typical questions are:

Tell me about yourself.

Describe a work history.

What are you salary requirements?

Why are you interested in this job?

Specific skill based questions. For example: Do you have experience in…, Have you worked deploying…?

Tips to make it to the next round

Review the job description: The job description is a cheat sheet for the company’s wants and needs. Review the desired qualifications as well as the main responsibilities involved in the role. In addition, a brief researching for the company can help you understand the company’s needs and culture better.

Make every word count: Screening interviews are often short, so aim to provide the most important information rather than being exhaustive in responses. You just need to mention most important tasks of your previews jobs and relevant ones. Provide clues about what to emphasize in your answers.

Review phone Interview tips: If your interview is on the phone, review telephone interview tips. Find a quiet place to talk to the interview and minimize distractions. It’s important to be able to focus on the conversation, not on what’s happening around you.

Know your resume: Your resume may have the answers to many of the questions you be asked. Be prepared with succinct descriptions of your previous jobs and stories that prove your abilities.

Be straight forward: Remember, the interviewer is sorting candidates into two piles with screening interviews. You want to wind up in the pile of candidates moving on to the next round. Make it easy by providing exactly the information the interviewer needs, in a straight-forward fashion.

Follow up with a Thank you Note: It is a good practice to follow up with a thank you note, so to acknowledge your appreciation for the time. Use your thank you note to remind the interviewer of your qualifications, and your enthusiasm for the position.