The Callback

How to complete The Callback

Getting past the recruiter screen means a real person decided you're worth a hiring manager's time. The second-round invite is the signal that you cleared the resume-and-phone filter and are now an actual candidate rather than one of a hundred applications.

1. Research the company, the team, and the exact role so your screen answers sound specific, not generic
2. Prepare a tight two-minute version of your background that maps directly to the job description
3. Have salary expectations and your reason for leaving ready, since screeners almost always ask both
4. Send a short thank-you note within a day, and reply to the callback invite promptly with your availability

Tips

• Treat the recruiter screen as a real interview, not a formality, recruiters gatekeep the next round
• Mirror the keywords from the posting so the screener can easily check their boxes
• Have questions ready, going silent when asked 'any questions for me?' reads as low interest

What counts as done

You've earned it the moment you receive a scheduled invitation for a second-round or hiring-manager interview.