What to say, ask, and do to increase your chances of moving forward
It sounds casual, but it’s actually the gateway to the real interview.
Recruiter screening calls are short, often informal, and happen early in the process. But don’t let that fool you.
This call is not a formality. It’s a filter.
And whether you move forward or not often depends on what you do before and during this first conversation.
This isn’t small talk, it’s an audition for readiness
Recruiters aren’t just verifying facts. They’re screening for:
- 🎯 Clarity: Do you know who you are and what you’re looking for?
- 🧠 Focus: Can you communicate clearly and professionally?
- 🔍 Fit: Do your skills align with what the role actually needs?
Your goal: show that you’re not just available, you’re intentional.
What to prepare before the call
1. Know the job and the company beyond the surface
Don’t just skim the job post. Highlight 2–3 key responsibilities and reflect on how your experience matches those areas.
Look up the company’s recent activity: product launches, funding, team size, values.
2. Prepare your “positioning snapshot”
Have a 60-second version of your story ready: where you’ve been, what you do well, and what you’re looking for next.
Example: “I’ve been working in content strategy for SaaS teams, focusing on product onboarding and UX. I’m now looking to go deeper into customer education in a more cross-functional role.”
3. Have questions but make them smart
Don’t ask: “What does the company do?”
Do ask: “What are the top challenges this team is trying to solve right now?”
Tip: Write down your 2–3 questions before the call. It shows prep and gives you something to lean on if nerves hit.
What recruiters expect from you and how to deliver
✅ Be clear, not perfect
You don’t need to have rehearsed answers. But you do need to speak with clarity and purpose. Don’t ramble. Be real, but focused.
✅ Be ready to talk money (at least a little)
If they ask about salary, be prepared to give a reasonable range or say you’d like to learn more about the role before discussing compensation in detail.
✅ Be someone they can confidently present
Recruiters are the first gate. They want to know: would I feel confident recommending this person to the hiring manager?
What to avoid during the call
Recruiter screening calls may feel informal, but every moment sends a signal. These common mistakes can quietly damage your credibility, even if your background is strong.
❌ Sounding distracted or “unprepared casual”
Answering in a flat tone, background noise, or seeming surprised by the call gives the impression that you’re not taking it seriously.
Why it hurts: Recruiters want to feel confident that you’re someone they can present professionally to the hiring team.
What to do instead: Show presence. Say something like: “Thanks for the call, I’ve been looking forward to our conversation.”
❌ Oversharing your full career story unprompted
Excitement is great, but rambling through your entire CV can overwhelm the recruiter and dilute your message.
Why it hurts: It shows a lack of structure and makes it harder to remember your key strengths.
What to do instead: Prepare a 60-second positioning summary. Focus on your present, your strengths, and what you’re looking for next, then pause for engagement.
❌ Speaking negatively about your current or past job
Even if your experience was frustrating, venting during a screening call creates a red flag around attitude and emotional maturity.
Why it hurts: Recruiters may worry you’ll bring that same negativity into the new role.
What to do instead: Reframe with neutrality. Say: “I’ve learned a lot in my current role, and now I’m looking for [insert growth or change you’re seeking].”
Tip: During a screening, less is more. You don’t need to impress, you need to build trust.
Common Missteps vs. Strategic Alternatives
| What Not to Do | Why It’s a Problem | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Sound distracted or unprepared | Signals disinterest or low professionalism | Take 5 minutes to center yourself and show up present |
| Give your full CV in order | Overwhelms and confuses your message | Stick to a concise intro: current role, strengths, and next step |
| Complain about your current manager or company | Makes you sound negative or reactive | Focus on what you’re moving toward, not what you’re escaping |
Bottom line: Recruiters aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for clarity, professionalism, and someone they’d feel good recommending.
Questions to ask that make you stand out
- 🧭 “What does success look like in the first 90 days for this role?”
- 👥 “How does this team typically collaborate: async, in meetings, cross-functionally?”
- 📈 “What’s changing most about this role or team right now?”
These questions show curiosity, strategic thinking, and awareness of context.
What to do right after the call
1. Write down what you learned
Before you forget, capture any names, team details, expectations, red flags, or new insights. It helps in follow-ups or next rounds.
2. Send a short, genuine thank-you note
“Thanks for the thoughtful conversation today, I appreciated learning more about the role and the team’s goals. Looking forward to next steps.”
3. Reflect on your own readiness
Use the call to evaluate your fit, too. If something felt off, don’t ignore it. Curiosity goes both ways.
Final reminder: It’s not about being impressive. It’s about being intentional.
You don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need to show up ready, grounded, and aware of the conversation you’re stepping into.
Final thought: A recruiter call isn’t a quiz. It’s a mirror. What they see reflects how you’ve prepared and how seriously you’re taking your next move.