The first step in many interview processes is a phone screen: a quick 15-30 minute conversation with a recruiter.

What is a recruiter?

If you’re unfamiliar with the role of a recruiter, they work for companies and try to fill job openings. They handle job postings, resume screens, communicating with applicants, setting up interviews, and giving out offers/rejections. Throughout the process, you’ll email back and forth with an assigned recruiter, and they will be your go-to person for any questions or updates.

What to expect from a phone screen

The phone screen will require you to talk for a few minutes about each experience and project you’ve listed on your resume. There may also be some logistical questions about your graduation date, summer availability, etc. If your call is indeed with a recruiter, there most likely won’t be anything technical.

How to prepare

Before the call, review your resume and practice talking to a friend or family member about each section. See our Studying Your Resume module for more information. You’re unlikely to be rejected after this round (unless they’ve filled all of the internship positions or you don’t come across well), so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Think of it like a warmup!

Extra tips

• Don’t answer the phone with a rude “Hello?” Instead, expect the call and answer with “Hello, this is Jeff.”
• If the recruiter says “How are you?”, don’t ignore the small talk by responding with a quick “good, how are you?” Instead, use this chance to show your positivity and excitement with something like “I’m doing great! It’s been a busy few weeks but today is a beautiful day, so that’s exciting!”
• USE NOTES! Since the recruiter can’t see you, you should have lots of information available on a computer or printed out. These notes could be your resume, prepared answers to common interview questions, questions you’d like to ask, etc.