A recruiter scheduled a call with you to talk about a new job opportunity. First of all, you shouldn’t be nervous—the recruiter is contacting you as part of a screening, and they only want to learn some basic background information on you. It’s crucial for them to appropriately screen candidates, so it’s equally important that you’re honest to ensure the recruiter can match you up with the right opportunity.
Tell me about yourself?
To start a conversation, open-ended questions like “Tell me about yourself” are frequently asked at the beginning of the call. This can come in other variations, like “Walk me through your resume,” or “How would you describe yourself?”
Are You Currently Working?
This isn’t a question that’s meant to trick you—it’s just an easy yes or no question. If you’re currently unemployed, freelancing, or anything at all, then you should inform the recruiter about those facts.
What’s Your Preferred Next Move?
It’s important that you’re honest about your next move and what it is you want. If you are looking for new opportunities but want to be with a company that promotes from within, be very clear about this or you could be in the same position you are in now very soon. This is a time to be 100 percent honest.
What’s Your Reason for Leaving Your Current/Last Company?
Everyone knows many things can happen in a lifetime, and the screening is your time to tell your story using your own words. If you’re quitting your old job, have a good reason prepared. On the other hand, if you got fired, it’s often better to be straightforward with recruiters and focus on what you’ve learned from the experience. Not all firings are the fault of the employee, so leave that up to the recruiter to decide and together you can work out a strategy to address the question if it comes up during a job interview. If your previous employer laid you off, there isn’t any shame in it. Most people don’t stay with the same employer forever, hence why recruiters exist.
What’s Your Timeframe Looking Like?
Are you currently interviewing? When’s your final day with your current employer? Will you be going on vacation anytime soon? Can you start next week? A recruiter is ready to get the ball rolling soon, so if you’re not available immediately, the recruiter needs to know. Some positions, even relocations, will not be willing to wait more than three or four weeks for someone to start once an offer has been extended. Other companies may have more leniency.
What Kind of Salary Do You Want?
For this type of question, don’t compromise or get shy during the proceedings. Tell them what you want and need exactly. Again, a recruiter needs to know your true wants and needs in order to place you with the right job. Depending on the state, they may ask about your salary at your last job, but don’t be worried about answering. If you need more money, that’s no problem. However, be ready to explain the reasons why you deserve a greater salary because you will likely get asked the same questions in an interview, especially if you are expecting to make more with a lateral move.
Would You Be Willing to Travel?
Some jobs will require significant time on the road. While many of these jobs will pay more, you have to be comfortable working out of a suitcase for extended periods of time. There is, of course, also the family factor. If you are married, carry certain obligations or have children, this may not be an option for you.
Can You Relocate?
A willingness to relocate could open many doors. If you’re not able or willing to relocate, they’ll work to identify local options for you if there are any available.