How to prepare for Screening Interview

In any different types of interviews screening interview is the first process to select appropriate applicants for further process of interview. Screening interviews are used to qualify a candidate before he or she meets with a hiring manager for possible selection.

Mostly Human Resources department who are experienced and professional recruiters interview and screening of the prospective candidates. Screening interviews are used to qualify a candidate before he or she meets with a hiring manager for possible selection.

Screening interviews are the best normal process for companies to select candidates for a single job opportunity and is a very quick, efficient, and even low expensive way of interviewing. In screening interviews the recruiters could disqualify by eliminating the unqualified candidates. These interviews are effective at judging principals, intelligence, character and mainly does the candidate is suitable or best fit for the job.

Screening interviews are conducted through telephone, the online interview, the videoconference or group interview and the structured interview.

Screening interviews are often structured; i.e., the interviewer has a standard pattern of basic questions that she/he asks nearly everybody. Screening interviews are normally rather brief, lasting from 15 to 30 minutes. Being asked to participate in a screening interview is a positive sign because it usually means the hiring company feels the applicant’s documentation (resume, application) indicates the candidate is qualified for the job opening.

Screening interview is equally important to score well, because candidates are thoroughly analyzed for their suitability for the job. Whether you have to face telephonic interview, online test or panel interview, you have to follow a certain tips to do well in them and get noticed for your performance.

Video or online screening

Video screening is a low cost, useful to save time and space for interviewers and interviewees.

Group interviews

Group interviews is a highly competitive, comparative-based interview. There are group of applicants involved in this screening interview. The employer looks for leadership, as well as content, the relationship with other candidates, and interview etiquette, are also factors in assessment.

Phone interviews

Phone interviews are slightly easier to handle than others. You can make yourself comfortable, and you can have resource materials handy.

The following are some tips for screening interview preparation :

* Remember that screening interviews are crucial methods for the companies to select candidates for the next round of interview. So you should be able to ascertain the key qualities they are looking for in a candidate by carefully assessing the job profile.

* Once you have determined their necessity, conduct a self assessment of whether you possess the required skills. Self assessments help you to review and rate your skills.

* Understand your drawbacks and try to overcome them. Undergoing mock interviews will help you to determine your weak points and work on them.

* It is important to make a good impression on any telephone and face-to-face interviews.

* Whatever type of interview, keep Smile on your face, it always helps you in every situation. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.

* Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.

* If you can’t talk freely when you are called, arrange another time for the interviewer to call back – you need to be able to perform to your best.

* Remember that even a “casual” telephone conversation may make the difference between being screened out or continuing in the selection process.

* Have your application and advertisement close to the phone so you can refer to it during the interview. Have blank paper and pen handy.

* During the selection process always use correct phone or web based manners when answering.

* Think carefully about how you respond to each question.

* Communicate your enthusiasm in your tone and words as the interviewer cannot see your non-verbal expressions.

* Ask yourself, honestly, what you think of your less impressive performances. Self criticism is a very powerful weapon, used properly.