10 Pre-Screening Interview Questions for Recruiters

Before getting to the interview stages, there is a pre-qualification or pre-screening process that you need to put your applicants through. This ensures they meet the basic requirements for the role (e.g., qualified candidates that have the right skill set for an open position). 

This also makes sure you don’t waste time putting unqualified candidates (and those with red flags) through an extensive in-person interview. The pre-screening interview is widely used by companies, and your hiring process can benefit greatly from incorporating pre-screening interviews. Let’s discover with Aniday in this blog!

What Is a Pre-Screening Interview?

A pre-screening interview, often referred to as pre-employment screening, involves posing a series of inquiries aimed at gathering fundamental qualification details about candidates. This approach helps in understanding candidates' salary expectations, as well as their overall interest in the particular position, before proceeding with a more comprehensive interview. 

Pre-screening generally comprises surface-level questions about career objectives, skill sets, abilities, and job preferences. Additionally, pre-screening questions may include a fundamental skills assessment to filter out unsuitable candidates, ultimately saving time in the subsequent interview stages.

How to Effectively Conduct a Pre-Screening Interview

alt text: managers discussing the pre-interview screening questions

Efficiently conducting a pre-screening interview is pivotal for identifying candidates most suitable for the position. The following are essential steps for successfully conducting a pre-screening interview:

Review Job Requirements

Before commencing the pre-screening interview, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive review of the job requirements and qualifications. This review will enable you to formulate questions that specifically evaluate whether the candidate meets the minimum criteria for the position.

Prepare a Structured Questionnaire

Develop a structured questionnaire that encompasses crucial elements such as qualifications, experience, skills, and the candidate's level of interest in the position. Employing a standardized set of questions ensures fair assessment and facilitates an effective comparison of candidates.

Screen Resumes and Applications 

Ahead of the interview, conduct a thorough examination of the candidates' resumes and applications. Look out for any red flags or inconsistencies that may necessitate further clarification during the pre-screening interview.

Schedule Pre-Screening Interviews 

Once candidates have been shortlisted based on their resumes, proceed to schedule pre-screening interviews. These interviews can be conducted through various means, including phone calls, video conferences, or online questionnaires, depending on your preferences and logistical considerations.

Conduct the Interview

During the interview, pose the pre-screening questions to elicit information about the candidate's qualifications, experience, career aspirations, and their level of interest in the role. Make a point of taking notes and carefully evaluate their responses against the established job requirements.

Assess Candidate Fit

Based on the outcomes of the pre-screening interview, evaluate the candidates' suitability for the position. Determine whether they meet the minimum criteria and make decisions regarding their progression to the next phase of the hiring process.

Provide Feedback

Following the conclusion of the pre-screening interview, it is beneficial to offer feedback to the candidates regarding their eligibility for the role. This practice contributes to maintaining a positive candidate experience and establishes clear expectations for the subsequent stages.

By adhering to these steps, you can enhance the efficiency of the recruitment process and pinpoint the most appropriate candidates for further assessment.

Pre-Screening Interview Questions

alt text: candidates in an interview

When conducting pre-screening interviews, the questions you ask play a crucial role in identifying qualified candidates. Here are ten pre-screening interview questions that recruiters can use to effectively evaluate applicants:

1. What Interests You About This Position?

• This question helps determine the candidate's motivation and genuine interest in the role. It allows you to gauge their level of enthusiasm and whether their values align with the company's mission.

2. What Are Your Salary Expectations?

• Inquiring about salary expectations early on helps set realistic expectations for both parties. It ensures that candidates align with the compensation range defined for the position.

3. Do You Possess The Essential Qualifications Required For This Position?

• Directly posing this question enables candidates to self-evaluate their suitability based on the essential skills and qualifications. It serves as a preliminary filter for those who evidently lack the necessary prerequisites.

4. Describe A Challenging Project Or Task You Successfully Completed.

• This question gives candidates an opportunity to showcase their problem-solving abilities, resilience, and achievements. Their response provides insights into their skills and past accomplishments.

5. How Do You Handle Conflicts In The Workplace?

• Conflict resolution skills are essential for maintaining a productive work environment. This question allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to navigate disagreements professionally and find solutions.

6. What Are Your Long-Term Career Goals?

• Understanding a candidate's long-term aspirations helps determine if the position aligns with their career trajectory. It also reveals their commitment towards personal growth and development.

7. Can You Describe Your Experience Working In A Team?

• Teamwork is a fundamental aspect of many roles. By asking about their teamwork experience, you can evaluate their ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to different working dynamics.

8. Are You Available To Work During [Specific Days/Hours]?

• Depending on the job requirements, it's important to ascertain whether candidates have availability that aligns with the company's needs. This question ensures that scheduling conflicts are avoided later in the process.

9. How Do You Stay Updated On Industry Trends And Developments?

• Continuous learning is crucial in today's fast-paced industries. This question helps identify candidates who actively seek knowledge and stay informed about industry advancements.

10. Do You Have Any Questions For Us?

• Giving candidates an opportunity to ask questions allows them to gain further insights into the role and the company. It also demonstrates their interest and engagement in the hiring process.

Use these pre-screening interview questions to gain valuable insights into candidates' qualifications, motivations, and suitability for the position. Remember to adapt them to your specific requirements and industry.

In Summary

Table: Pre-Screening Interview Questions

Question	Purpose
What interests you about this position?	Assess motivation and alignment with company values
What are your salary expectations?	Determine alignment with compensation range
Do you meet the minimum qualifications for this role?	Filter out candidates who lack necessary qualifications
Describe a challenging project or task you successfully completed.	Assess problem-solving abilities and achievements
How do you handle conflicts in the workplace?	Evaluate conflict resolution skills
What are your long-term career goals?	Understand alignment with the candidate's aspirations
Can you describe your experience working in a team?	Evaluate teamwork capabilities
Are you available to work during [specific days/hours]?	Check availability for scheduling purposes
How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments?	Assess commitment to continuous learning
Do you have any questions for us?	Measure engagement and interest in the hiring process

Final Thoughts: Pre-Screening Interview Questions

By incorporating pre-screening interviews into your hiring process and utilizing effective pre-screening interview questions, you can save valuable time and resources by filtering out unqualified candidates early on. 

These interviews provide insights into candidates' qualifications, motivations, and potential fit within your organization. Remember to tailor your questions to the specific needs of your role and industry.

Aniday hopes you find this blog helpful.