Effective hiring begins long before an interview or job offer is made. One of the most important steps in this process is the screening call – the first real conversation with a candidate that helps you understand who they are, what drives them, and whether they could be a good fit for your team and business.
Why Screening Calls Matter
A screening call is more than just a way to check skills, experience, and availability. It’s your opportunity to meet the person behind the CV and get a sense of their communication style, attitude, and energy.
It’s also a chance to give candidates their first impression of your business. A rushed or impersonal call can leave the wrong impression, while a thoughtful, respectful conversation reflects your organisation’s values and professionalism. Done well, screening calls save time later by ensuring only the right candidates progress to interview stages.
A Thoughtful Approach to Screening Calls
To make the most of screening calls, it helps to have a structured but flexible approach:
- Make candidates feel heard and respected – this encourages openness and honesty.
- Understand motivations and values – ask why they’re looking for a new role, what drives them, and what they want from their next position.
- Filter effectively – identify candidates whose skills and mindset truly align with the role, saving time for everyone involved.
What Makes a Good Screening Call
Successful screening calls balance preparation, conversation, and transparency:
- Be relaxed – a calm, friendly tone helps candidates feel comfortable.
- Prepare in advance – review the candidate’s CV and plan what you want to learn, including role-specific questions.
- Ask why – understand their motivations and career choices. Why are they leaving their current role? Why are they interested in this opportunity?
- Encourage real conversation – use open-ended questions rather than yes/no answers to uncover genuine insights.
- Be transparent – clearly outline the role, team, challenges, and why the position is open. Honesty builds trust.
- Listen actively – what a candidate doesn’t say can be as revealing as what they do say.
- Outline next steps – provide clarity on the interview process and timelines to manage expectations.
Benefits of Effective Screening Calls
- Saves time – helps you focus on candidates who truly fit the role.
- Improves hiring outcomes – early insights into motivations and fit allow you to make better decisions.
- Enhances candidate experience – respectful, human conversations leave a positive impression and strengthen your employer brand.
Takeaways for Better Hiring
A well-executed screening call is often the first real conversation that sets the tone for the entire hiring process. Done properly, it helps you quickly identify candidates whose skills, experience, and values align with your organisation, saving time later in the recruitment process. A thoughtful call also gives candidates a clear understanding of the role, your team, and your company culture, which helps reduce misunderstandings or early dropouts. By asking open-ended questions, listening carefully, and being transparent about the role, you create a positive candidate experience and improve the likelihood of hiring people who will thrive in the role.
Next Steps
If you’re looking to improve your screening calls or want guidance on how to structure them for your hiring process, THSP can provide practical support. Our team helps businesses create effective screening conversations that save time, improve hiring outcomes, and leave candidates with a positive impression.
For more advice and resources, including templates and guides for screening calls, visit our Knowledge Hub at www.thsp.co.uk.