1) What stage of the recruiting process are you in? 

2) Who is involved in that process (more importantly who do you think will be screening you out in that process?)

3) What needs to be done to move forward past that stage? 

Get into the habit of thinking of these three things as you go through this whole recruiting process.

The phone screen at this stage will typically be conducted by a professional recruiter. However, their years of experience could vary greatly and their knowledge in your field of expertise could vary greatly as well. Your goal at this stage is to get past this interview and get yourself invited to an onsite interview. The best way to do this is to be as clear and concise as possible. This is not the time to talk about all the exploits you have had in your career. Frankly, the recruiter is not interested. There are specific questions and information that the recruiter is trying to get out of you – and you don’t want that information lost in a sea of your exploits. Remember, keep it simple and short. At the end of the interview, ask the recruiter – “do you have all the information you need or do you need me to expand on any of the points?”