Round 1: HR Phone Screen
The most common first round interview is an HR phone screen. There are always exceptions, but here’s a rough outline of what to expect.
Preparation: As always, look up the company and role you’ll be interviewing for. If possible, look up your interviewer on LinkedIn. Print a copy of your resume in front of you, and have a pen and paper available for notes. Keep your phone close at hand with the ringer on 5-10 minutes before the scheduled start of your call.
Who You’ll be Speaking With: Typically an HR phone screen is with just one person, usually an HR professional or hiring manager. Often times this person isn’t who you’d be working for if you got the job, but is responsible for rejecting or passing candidates along to your potential boss.
Typical Length: 30 minutes.
Typical Medium: Phone Call
Typical Format:
1. Introductions & Small Talk (1-3 minutes): You’ll usually spend a few minutes exchanging pleasantries and confirming that now is still a good time to talk about the role.
2. “So tell me about yourself.” (1-5 minutes): This is your chance to introduce yourself, your skillset, and why you’re interested in the role you’re interviewing for.
3. Questions for You (15-20 minutes): The next part of the conversation will typically be the longest, where you’ll field a variety of questions. Often these are a little bit less technical, and more “tell me about a time when” in nature.
4. Questions for Them (5-10 minutes): You’ll almost always have the chance to ask your interviewers questions. Use this time wisely.
5. Closing (1 minute): Always thank your interviewer for them taking the time to speak with you.
6. Post Interview Follow Up: Always send your interview a follow up email thanking them for their time, and reiterating your interest in the position.
And that’s it! Remember, the person with whom you’re speaking might not be a technical authority, so now is a great time to showcase your softer skills like communication, explaining your work clearly, and general demeanor.
Did I miss anything? Have any questions about an upcoming HR phone screen? Let me know at YourSTEMMentorBlog@gmail.com!