Screening Interview

A Screening Interview is used to narrow down the list of potential job applicants, and increase the efficiency of the formal interviewing process.  A screening interview can be a phone interview, or a face-to-face interview, with a recruiter or a member of the hiring company's human resources department.

In-person screening interviews are often used as an introductory meeting with a job applicant to get a general feel for the applicant's fit in an organization.  For example, does the applicant appear they will fit into the corporate culture of a company?  A screening interview is the least formal of all the face-to-face interviews, and is an opportunity to ask clarifying questions about the applicant's resume or work history.

Being asked to come in for a screening interview is a positive sign because it usually means the applicant has passed the initial resume screening process, and the company is demonstrating interest in the job applicant.