What is a Preliminary Interview?

During the hiring process, many hiring managers use a preliminary interview to screen candidates.

During this type of interview, you should try to make an excellent first impression on the hiring manager. Preparing for the types of interview questions they might ask is one way to do this.

This article defines a preliminary interview, provides success tips, sample interview questions, and answers frequently asked questions about this type of interview.

What exactly is a preliminary interview?

The first stage of the interviewing process is a preliminary interview.

Hiring managers use it to screen candidates and determine who moves on to the next stage of the hiring process. It is a preliminary meeting to gather basic information about how an applicant’s goals, skills, and qualifications can benefit the needs of a company.

A preliminary interview typically lasts 30 minutes and is conducted via video chat or phone call by most hiring managers.

This initial interview aims to learn about your skills, qualifications, and interest in the position.

Potential employers will also use this type of interview to learn more about your personality and determine if you are qualified for a face-to-face interview.

Tips for a Successful Preliminary Interview

Here are some pointers to help you make an excellent first impression at your following preliminary interview:

Find out more about the company.

During a preliminary interview, hiring managers will usually ask you what you know about the company. Make sure you do some background research on the company before making your phone call. Investigate the services and products it offers. Please get to know some of its most important clients as well. Try to think of a few key reasons why you want to work for this company.

Take it seriously.

Even if your preliminary interview is brief, you should treat it with the same seriousness that you would an in-person interview.

Make sure you are prepared to answer the phone when the interviewer calls the first time. Answer professionally and state your name, so they know they’re speaking with the right person.

Throughout the interview, do your best to answer all of the hiring manager’s questions as thoroughly as possible.

Make an elevator pitch.

Your preliminary interview is your opportunity to make an impression on the hiring manager. When an interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself, have a brief elevator pitch ready to share.

You should summarise your skills, experiences, and significant accomplishments in your elevator pitch. Tell us why you want to work for us.

Make a list of common interview questions.

Preliminary interview questions are typically kept to a minimum by hiring managers. Prepare a brief overview of your experiences and reasons for applying for this position.

You may have to discuss your greatest strengths and weaknesses.

Consider asking a friend to conduct a mock interview with you so you can practice your responses.

Make an impression that will last a lifetime.

While an employer cannot see your body language if the interview is conducted over the phone, your tone of voice can convey your enthusiasm for the job.

During the interview, try to come across as upbeat and energetic.

Make an effort to demonstrate both your professional and personal sides.

Write a follow-up letter.

Following your preliminary interview, send a handwritten note or an email thanking the hiring manager for their time.

Reiterate that you are looking forward to hearing from them and that you would like to learn more about the position.

Following your preliminary interview, send a handwritten note or an email thanking the hiring manager for their time.

Reiterate that you are looking forward to hearing from them and that you would like to learn more about the position.

Sample interview questions and responses

A hiring manager may ask the following interview questions during a preliminary interview:

Please tell me a little about yourself.

Employers ask this question to get a sense of your personality.

This is your opportunity to briefly discuss your professional background, experiences, and skill set.

Outside of work, you can also incorporate a few of your hobbies or interests. This demonstrates that you are a well-rounded, interesting person.

“I am a professional designer with over eight years of experience,” for example.

I am looking for a senior-level position because I have extensive experience working for various advertising agencies.

With my technical abilities, artistic talents, and leadership abilities, I believe I can effectively lead your design department.

What makes you want to work for us?

Employers want applicants who have done their homework.

This question allows you to explain why you applied for this position.

Share a few highlights from your exploration of the company’s website.

As an example: “As an environmental engineer, I’ve been looking for a company that practices environmentally friendly business practices.

I knew this place was a good fit for me after reading about your green initiative on your website.

I’ve worked with a variety of clients who want to be more environmentally conscious throughout my career.

I believe I have the necessary experience to contribute to your team.”

What is your motivation for looking for a new job?

This question informs employers about your intent to apply to their company.

While your job search may be motivated by money or benefits, these are not the types of responses employers are looking for.

Instead, describe how you are prepared to advance in your career.

Discuss why you want to move on to something that will allow you to advance professionally.

As an example: “While I enjoy my current position, I believe I am ready to move on to something new.

I have greatly improved my research skills here, and I am now ready to work on studies about which I am more passionate.

I was excited to apply when I saw that you were looking for a lead researcher to study children’s behaviour.

I spent my entire undergrad studying this subject and would love to return to it.”

What do you expect to be paid?

This question informs employers whether they can afford to hire you if you are a good fit for their role.

When determining your salary expectations, conduct some research to determine what people with the same job title earn in your area.

Take your experience and education level into account, in addition to the industry average.

As an example: “I’m looking for a salary in the $45,000-$55,000 range. Because of the regional average and my skill set, I believe this salary expectation is reasonable. According to your job posting, I am perfectly qualified for this position.”

Commonly Asked Questions

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about preliminary interviews:

Should I contact the hiring manager, or will he or she contact me?

A hiring manager will most likely contact you.

You will plan every detail of your preliminary interview with them ahead of time.

They’ll usually contact you via email and ask when you’re available to talk.

Unless they state otherwise, you can expect them to call you after agreeing on a time that works for both of you.

How will I know if my phone interview was successful?

If a prospective employer expresses an interest in speaking with you again, you can be confident that you made an excellent first impression during your preliminary interview.

This is especially true if they stated that you appear to be a good fit for their role.

At this stage, some hiring managers are more subtle in their feelings toward you as a candidate.

If they ask if you have any other job offers or want to know your salary requirements, this could be a good sign.

What is the primary objective of a preliminary interview?

The primary objective of a preliminary interview is to determine whether you meet the minimum requirements for the position you’re applying for.

Rather than meeting with every candidate in person, hiring managers can save a significant amount of time by first screening candidates over the phone or video chat.

This brief interview allows hiring managers to narrow down their candidate list and decide who to meet with more thoroughly.