Can't get past a phone screen? Here’s how to pass the recruiter call

You sent out the resume. You got a response. You’re feeling hopeful — and then the phone screen hits. A week later, you get a polite rejection email with no feedback. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re qualified for the job.

So what’s going wrong?

The recruiter call (also known as the phone screen) might seem like a formality, but it’s one of the most important parts of the hiring process. It’s the company’s first chance to evaluate you beyond your resume, and many candidates don’t realize how high the bar is, even this early on.

If you’re not getting past the recruiter call, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through what recruiters are looking for, where candidates tend to fall short, and what you can do to show up prepared and confident.

Why the phone screen matters

The phone screen is usually a 20 to 30 minute call with a recruiter or talent partner. It’s often the first live interaction you’ll have with the company, and its purpose is simple: decide if it’s worth moving you forward in the process.

The recruiter is looking for three things:

1. Do you meet the basic qualifications for the role?
2. Are you genuinely interested in this company and this opportunity?
3. Are you able to communicate clearly and professionally?

They’re not digging deep into technical skills yet. Instead, they’re forming a first impression. They want to know: Do you seem like someone who’s done your research? Someone who’s excited about the work? Someone the team would like to spend time with?

Your job on the call is to show them the answer to all of those questions is yes.

Why candidates don’t pass

Most candidates fail the phone screen for reasons that are completely avoidable. The most common feedback from companies is candidates either didn't prepare or they didn't sound excited about the company.

It’s easy to assume your resume should do the heavy lifting. But how you present yourself in the phone screen matters just as much. Even subtle things like tone, energy, and the kinds of questions you ask can shape the recruiter’s impression.

The most common missteps:

• Lack of preparation. You didn’t research the company or the role.
• Low energy. You didn’t sound excited — or forgot to say you were interested.
• Generic questions. You asked broad or vague questions that could apply to any company.
• Weak storytelling. You couldn’t clearly articulate your background or relevant experience.

These are all fixable. You don’t need to be a perfect communicator, you just need to show you’re prepared, curious, and engaged.

How to prepare for a recruiter call

Phone screens aren’t pop quizzes. You can and should prep for them. With just 30 minutes of targeted preparation, you can dramatically improve your odds.

Research the company

Start by spending 10–15 minutes learning the basics:

• What does the company do?
• Who are their customers or users?
• What stands out about their product, culture, or mission?

Don’t stop at the homepage. Look at recent blog posts or press releases. If it’s a startup, check Crunchbase for funding info and investors. Read the job description carefully and think about what challenges this role might be solving.

If they have a product, try it out or read user reviews. Think about what’s working, what’s not, and what you’d improve.

You should be ready to answer:

• “What do you know about our company?”
• “Why are you interested in this role?”

Even a few thoughtful observations go a long way in showing you’re serious.

2. Practice your personal pitch

Phone screens often start with, “Tell me about yourself.” This is your chance to tell a clear, relevant story. Focus on your background, your skills, and why you’re excited about this role. Aim for ~60 seconds max.

Then be ready for follow-up questions like:

• Why are you leaving your current role?
• What are you looking for next?
• What kind of work energizes you?
• What have you worked on recently that’s relevant to this job?

Use the STARR method for behavioral questions. Prepare 2–3 short stories ahead of time.

3. Be ready to ask specific, thoughtful questions

A phone screen is a two-way conversation. Candidates who stand out ask real questions — not just because they’re “supposed to,” but because they genuinely want to understand the company and role.

Try pulling from these three categories:

1. About the interviewer → “I saw you joined from [Company X]. What made you want to join [Company Y] and what’s kept you here?”

This builds rapport and gives you insight into the culture.

2. About the role or team → “What does success look like for this role in the first six months?” → “What challenges is the team currently facing that this role will help address?”

This shows you’re already thinking like a teammate.

3. About the company or industry → “I noticed you just raised a Series B—what’s the biggest priority right now?” → “I’ve used your product and loved [feature]. What’s next on the roadmap?”

End the call strong: Ask about next steps

Many candidates end a phone screen with a polite “thanks” and nothing more. Don’t miss this chance to show you’re serious about moving forward.

Try:

• “I’m really excited to learn more — what are the next steps?”
• “Is there anything you’d like me to elaborate on to make sure I’m a strong fit?”
• “Do you have any hesitations about my background that I could address?”

This does two things: it shows confidence, and it invites real-time feedback you might not otherwise get.

Final tips to keep in mind

• Take the call somewhere quiet with good reception or Wi-Fi
• Smile — it helps your voice sound more natural and warm
• Have a few notes nearby, but don’t script your answers
• Treat it like a two-way conversation

The recruiter call sets the tone for the entire interview process. If you don’t come across as prepared, curious, and genuinely interested in this company, it’s going to be hard to move forward.

But once you understand what recruiters are looking for—and how to communicate that you’re both qualified and excited—you’ll unlock the next step.

You’ve already gotten their attention. Now show them you’re the right fit.

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