How to Ace a Phone Screen: 12 Tips from Hiring Managers

Prepare Your Setup

Find a quiet room, charge your phone, use a headset for audio quality, and have a glass of water nearby. Vocal clarity matters more on phone than in person — poor audio quality creates doubt about communication skills.

Research the Recruiter's Role

Check LinkedIn before the call. Knowing that your recruiter specializes in engineering or has a technical background changes how you pitch yourself. Recruiters who are engineers appreciate specificity; sourcers need you to translate.

The First 2 Minutes Matter Most

Recruiters decide within the first 90 seconds whether they're enthusiastic about advancing you. Come energized, prepared with a 60-second self-introduction, and immediately demonstrate specific knowledge of the company.

Questions You'll Always Get

"Walk me through your background." "Why are you interested in us?" "What are you looking for in your next role?" "What's your current/expected compensation?" Prepare polished, rehearsed answers for all four.

How to Handle the Compensation Question

Giving a range is better than a specific number. Research the role on levels.fyi, Glassdoor, and Blind first. If pressed, say "Based on my research and experience level, I'm targeting $X-$Y, though I'm open to the full picture of the package." Never anchor below your target.

Close Strongly

Before you hang up, ask: "What are the next steps in the process?" and "Is there anything in our conversation that gives you pause about moving me forward?" The second question surfaces objections you can address before the line goes dead.

Key Takeaways

• →Stand up or walk during phone screens — it improves vocal energy
• →Take notes during the call — reference them in your follow-up email
• →Send a thank-you email within 2 hours of hanging up