What Is a Phone Screener?

Phone screening basics

When it comes to  job search, screeners are the first line of defense you have to get through on the way to your first interview. And hopefully the first step along the path to an actual job offer. There are three main types of screeners:  human resume screeners, automated resume screeners and the phone screener.

Years ago, phone screening was not as prevalent as it is today. Back then, you just made your best guess from the resume and cover letter and called them in. (Still done for certain hard-to-match jobs and by some smaller companies.)

Not every employer uses the phone interview technique. But for most companies, it’s an easy time-saving, cost-effective way to narrow down the candidates who remain after any initial (automated or human resume screening) weeding processes

How phone screener process works

The screener is usually given (sometimes helps create, as I used to do) an already-screened batch of resumes to call. Essentially, they are looking for the best potential matches, with an eye toward who should get an in-person interview.

The company may have received hundreds of resumes. Sometimes more. But in this part of the process usually no more than about 5-10 are called. Although for some tech jobs where I had to show wide reach and find certain softer skills, I called up to 15 or more. (Each employer has different methods and willingness to pursue candidates who don’t quite have everything in the official job description.)

Phone interviews beyond screening

While nowadays, the majority of phone interviews are simply screening interviews, some phone interviews can be more than that. Rather than a phone screen (which can take 10 minutes or less) they can be the equivalent of an in-person interview.

And some can last an hour or more. Especially if you live a distance from the job, or people from various cities are participating. You probably should prepare for that just in case.

But don’t be disappointed if the session is quick. Every screener’s style is different. When I was a phone screener, I sometimes knew in a few minutes if it was a yes. Although I might chat longer anyway, to help get more of a feel for the candidate, in either case.

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