Questions to Ask During Screening Interview
Strategic questions to ask during phone or video screening interviews to demonstrate interest and gather important information about the role and company.
1What does a typical day look like in this role?
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What does a typical day look like in this role?
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Why this works
Understanding daily responsibilities helps you assess if the role matches your interests and skills.
2What are the key challenges someone in this position would face?
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What are the key challenges someone in this position would face?
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Why this works
Learning about challenges helps you prepare for the role and shows you're thinking realistically about the position.
3What qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate?
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What qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate?
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Why this works
Understanding their ideal candidate helps you tailor your responses and assess your fit for the role.
4What opportunities are there for growth and development?
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What opportunities are there for growth and development?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking long-term and helps you understand career advancement possibilities.
5What do you enjoy most about working at this company?
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What do you enjoy most about working at this company?
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Why this works
Gives insight into company culture and what employees value about the organization.
6What is the team structure and who would I be working with?
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What is the team structure and who would I be working with?
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Why this works
Understanding team dynamics helps you assess collaboration style and working relationships.
7What are the next steps in the interview process?
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What are the next steps in the interview process?
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Why this works
Shows continued interest and helps you prepare for subsequent interview stages.
8What is the company culture like?
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What is the company culture like?
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Why this works
Understanding culture helps you assess if the work environment aligns with your values and preferences.
9What technologies or tools does the team use?
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What technologies or tools does the team use?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the tech stack and assess your readiness for the role.
10What are the biggest priorities for this role in the next 6 months?
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What are the biggest priorities for this role in the next 6 months?
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Why this works
Understanding immediate priorities helps you assess the role's focus and your ability to contribute quickly.
11How does this role contribute to the company's overall goals?
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How does this role contribute to the company's overall goals?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the bigger picture and helps you see how your work would matter.
12What is the reporting structure and who would be my manager?
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What is the reporting structure and who would be my manager?
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Why this works
Understanding management structure helps you assess communication style and support systems.
13What do you think sets this company apart from competitors?
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What do you think sets this company apart from competitors?
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Why this works
Gives insight into company strengths and competitive advantages in the market.
14What are the opportunities for collaboration with other departments?
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What are the opportunities for collaboration with other departments?
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Why this works
Understanding cross-functional work helps you assess the role's scope and networking opportunities.
15What is the work environment like - remote, hybrid, or in-office?
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What is the work environment like - remote, hybrid, or in-office?
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Why this works
Understanding work arrangements helps you assess compatibility with your preferred work style.
16What kind of support and resources are available for this role?
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What kind of support and resources are available for this role?
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Why this works
Understanding available support helps you assess if you'll have the resources needed to succeed.
17What are the most important skills for success in this position?
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What are the most important skills for success in this position?
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Why this works
Helps you understand key competencies and assess your qualifications for the role.
18What does success look like in this role?
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What does success look like in this role?
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Why this works
Understanding success metrics helps you prepare for performance expectations and evaluation.
19What are the biggest opportunities facing this team or department?
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What are the biggest opportunities facing this team or department?
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Why this works
Understanding opportunities helps you assess growth potential and exciting challenges ahead.
20Is there anything about my background that concerns you or that you'd like me to elaborate on?
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Is there anything about my background that concerns you or that you'd like me to elaborate on?
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Why this works
Shows confidence and allows you to address any potential concerns they might have about your fit.
Maximizing Your Screening Interview
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Pre-Interview Preparation
Research the Company
Learn about the company's mission, recent news, products, and culture to ask informed questions.
Review the Job Description
Understand the role requirements and prepare questions about specific responsibilities and expectations.
Prepare Your Questions
Have 5-7 thoughtful questions ready that demonstrate your interest and help you evaluate the opportunity.
Strategic Question Categories
Role-Specific Questions
Company Culture Questions
Process Questions
Post-Interview Follow-up
Send Thank You Note
Follow up within 24 hours with a personalized thank you note expressing continued interest.
Address Any Concerns
If they mentioned any concerns about your background, address them in your follow-up.
Stay Engaged
Continue researching the company and preparing for potential next steps in the process.