Recently VioResume team had an opportunity to interview a US full time recruiter. We discussed many topic related to job, interview and hiring process. We are going to share how to handle introductory pre screening call from the discussion we had. Unfortunately can can not use recruiter’s name and workplace for privacy reasons. Let’s see how a recruiter thinks when it comes to steering your first pre screening call.

This initial conversation with a recruiter can set the stage for your candidacy and pave the way for further interviews. In this article, I will share valuable tips to help you handle your first pre-screening call with confidence, professionalism, and poise.

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

Thorough preparation is key to a successful pre-screening call. Research the company, its industry, and the specific job you’re applying for. Familiarize yourself with the company culture, recent news, and any relevant projects or initiatives. Make a list of your skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

2. Choose a Quiet Environment

Select a quiet, distraction-free environment for the call. Inform family members or roommates of the scheduled call, and politely ask them not to disturb you during that time. Turn off any devices or notifications that might interrupt the conversation. Good call quality and a quiet background will ensure that both you and the recruiter can focus on the discussion.

3. Dress Professionally

Even though the recruiter won’t see you during a phone call, dressing professionally can boost your confidence and make you feel more prepared. Wearing appropriate attire can help you get into the right mindset for a professional conversation.

4. Keep Your Resume and Job Description Handy

Have a printed or digital copy of your resume and the job description close by during the call. This will enable you to reference specific details and easily answer questions about your experiences, skills, and qualifications.

5. Listen Attentively and Speak Clearly

During the call, listen carefully to the recruiter’s questions and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. Speak slowly, clearly, and confidently, ensuring that your answers directly address the questions asked. If you need clarification, don’t hesitate to ask the recruiter to repeat the question or provide more information.

6. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the recruiter about the company, team, or role. This demonstrates your interest in the position and your eagerness to learn more. Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered by visiting the company’s website or reading the job description. Instead, focus on inquiring about company culture, team dynamics, or growth opportunities.

7. Follow Up with a Thank You Email

After the call, send a thank you email to the recruiter, expressing your gratitude for their time and consideration. Reiterate your interest in the position and highlight a specific point from the conversation that resonated with you. This thoughtful gesture will leave a positive impression and reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.

Conclusion

Handling your first introductory pre-screening call with recruiters is an essential step in your job search journey. By following these tips from a US expert recruiter, you can make a strong impression, showcase your professionalism, and increase your chances of moving forward in the recruitment process. Remember that thorough preparation, attentive listening, and thoughtful engagement are crucial to success during this important conversation

what is the Eisenhower matrix ?

The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Eisenhower Decision Matrix or the Time Management Matrix, is a time management and prioritization tool that helps you categorize tasks based on their importance and urgency. It was named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, who was known for his exceptional productivity and time management skills.

The matrix consists of a 2×2 grid, creating four quadrants:

1. Important and Urgent (Quadrant 1): These tasks require immediate attention and should be addressed first. Examples include emergencies, critical deadlines, or crisis situations.
2. Important but Not Urgent (Quadrant 2): These tasks are essential for achieving long-term goals but do not need immediate attention. Examples include strategic planning, relationship building, or personal and professional development. Focusing on these tasks helps prevent them from becoming urgent.
3. Not Important but Urgent (Quadrant 3): These tasks may appear to demand immediate attention but are not crucial to your long-term goals. Examples include interruptions, some meetings, or minor requests from others. Delegate these tasks whenever possible.
4. Not Important and Not Urgent (Quadrant 4): These tasks have the least impact on your goals and can often be time-wasters. Examples include excessive social media use, unproductive meetings, or trivial tasks. Minimize or eliminate these activities from your schedule.

How can it help me to set a stable career goal? let’s brake it down:

Title: Applying the Eisenhower Matrix for a Stable and Successful Career

Navigating to a successful career requires effective time management and the ability to prioritize tasks that will contribute to your long-term goals. The Eisenhower Matrix, a powerful prioritization tool, can be applied to various aspects of your professional life to help you achieve a stable and thriving career. In this article, we’ll explore how you can use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks and activities, leading to better decision-making, improved productivity, and ultimately, a more successful and stable career.

1. Setting Clear Career Goals

To apply the Eisenhower Matrix effectively, you must first establish clear career goals. These goals will help you identify tasks that are important and contribute to your long-term success. Consider your desired career path, the skills you need to develop, and the milestones you want to achieve within specific timeframes.

2. Categorizing Career-Related Tasks

Once you have your career goals in place, evaluate your current tasks and activities by categorizing them into the four quadrants of the Eisenhower Matrix:

• Important and Urgent: Focus on tasks that are both crucial to your career goals and require immediate attention, such as meeting deadlines for high-priority projects or responding to urgent client requests.
• Important but Not Urgent: These tasks contribute to your long-term career goals but don’t demand immediate action. Examples include networking, skill development, or planning your next career move. Schedule dedicated time for these activities to ensure consistent progress towards your goals.
• Not Important but Urgent: Delegate or minimize tasks that seem urgent but don’t contribute significantly to your career growth, such as attending non-essential meetings or responding to low-priority emails. Focus on investing your time in those activities that align with your career objectives.
• Not Important and Not Urgent: Identify and eliminate time wasting activities that don’t contribute to your career goals, like excessive social media browsing or unproductive multitasking. This will free up more time for tasks that truly matter for your career.

3. Prioritizing Tasks and Activities

Using the Eisenhower Matrix, prioritize tasks and activities in your daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. Allocate sufficient time to complete high-priority tasks (Quadrant 1) and consistently work on important but non-urgent tasks (Quadrant 2) to ensure steady progress towards your career goals.

4. Regularly Reassessing Priorities

Your career priorities may change over time as you gain new experiences, skills, or opportunities. Regularly review your career goals and the tasks in each quadrant of the Eisenhower Matrix. Adjust your priorities as needed to maintain alignment with your long-term objectives.

5. Monitoring Progress and Adapting

Track your progress towards achieving your career goals and analyze the effectiveness of your prioritization strategies. If you find that you’re not making the desired progress, reassess your priorities and make adjustments to your time management and task allocation.

Conclusion

By applying the Eisenhower Matrix to your career planning and daily activities, you can effectively prioritize tasks that contribute to your long-term success. This strategic approach to time management helps you maintain focus on your career goals, leading to a more stable and fulfilling professional life. Regularly reassess your priorities and adapt as necessary to ensure continued progress and growth in your chosen career.

Time management is a critical skill for anyone looking to excel in their professional life. It helps you achieve a healthy work-life balance, increase productivity, and reduce stress. Though mastering time management takes practice, there are some practical tips you can follow to improve your skills.

Here are five easy ways to enhance your time management skills in the office:

1. Prioritize Your Tasks

In your daily routine, some tasks hold more importance than others. Identifying these priorities is essential for effective time management. One method to help you prioritize is the Eisenhower Matrix, which assists in categorizing tasks based on their importance and urgency. By focusing on high-priority tasks, you’ll be better equipped to achieve your short-term and long-term goals.

2. Focus on One Task at a Time

Although multitasking might seem like a valuable skill, it can actually hinder your time management abilities. Research shows that multitasking can negatively affect your working memory and focus. Instead of juggling multiple tasks, concentrate on one task at a time to ensure optimal productivity.

3. Minimize Distractions

Distractions are inevitable, but they can seriously impact your time management skills. To minimize distractions, consider silencing your phone, creating a dedicated workspace, and communicating with family or coworkers to minimize interruptions. By eliminating distractions, you can maintain your focus and accomplish tasks more efficiently.

4. Learn to Say No

Taking on too many responsibilities can be counterproductive. Knowing your limits and setting boundaries on your workload will enable you to concentrate on the most crucial tasks. Learn to politely decline additional work when you’re already at capacity, explaining that you want to ensure the quality of your current tasks.

5. Utilize Time Management Apps

Technology can be a valuable tool in improving your time management skills. Apps like Rescuetime, Everhour, or Toggl Track can help you organize tasks, set reminders, and track the time spent on different activities. By monitoring your time usage, you can identify areas for improvement and optimize your daily schedule.

So you can enhancing your time management skills involves prioritizing tasks, focusing on one task at a time, minimizing distractions, setting boundaries, and leveraging technology. By implementing these strategies, you’ll enjoy reduced stress, better work-life balance, and increased productivity, ultimately helping you achieve your goals.

In 2023, the recommended length for a cover letter is still around one page. Ideally, your cover letter should be between 250 to 400 words. This length allows you to provide a concise and focused overview of your skills, experiences, and qualifications without overwhelming the reader or taking up too much of their time. Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for and highlight the most relevant aspects of your background to demonstrate your fit for the position.

Here are examples of cover letters for 3 job sectors. Remember to customize each cover letter according to the specific job description and requirements.

1. Information Technology (IT) – Software Developer: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Job Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Software Developer position at [Company Name] as advertised on [Job Portal]. With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and 3 years of experience in software development, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the innovative projects at [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for developing and maintaining web applications using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. I also collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement agile methodologies, resulting in a 20% increase in project delivery efficiency.

I am eager to bring my strong problem-solving skills and passion for software development to [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

2. Marketing – Digital Marketing Specialist: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Job Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

As a results-driven digital marketing professional with 5 years of experience, I am excited to apply for the Digital Marketing Specialist position at [Company Name] that I saw on [Job Portal]. My expertise in SEO, content creation, and social media management aligns with the requirements outlined in the job description.

In my recent role at [Previous Company], I managed a $50,000 annual digital marketing budget and executed campaigns that increased website traffic by 30% and generated a 25% increase in lead conversions. I am also Google Ads certified and experienced in using tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush to analyze and optimize campaign performance.

I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of [Company Name] by applying my digital marketing skills and experience. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

3. Healthcare – Registered Nurse: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Job Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Registered Nurse position at [Company Name] posted on [Job Portal]. As a compassionate and dedicated nursing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and 4 years of experience in acute care settings, I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional patient care at [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I consistently maintained a high standard of care while managing a diverse caseload, including patients with complex medical needs. I am skilled in administering medications, developing care plans, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

I would be honored to join the dedicated healthcare team at [Company Name] and contribute to the well-being of the patients in your care. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Let’s talk about what is The star method first. It is a technique used in job interviews to help candidates provide structured, clear, and concise answers to behavioral questions. It is an acronym that stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. The method helps interviewees showcase their skills, experience, and accomplishments in a way that highlights their problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Here’s a breakdown of each component of the STAR method:

1. Situation: Begin by describing the context or setting where the event took place. This could be a specific job, project, or challenge you faced in a previous role. Provide enough detail to help the interviewer understand the circumstances, but keep it brief and relevant.
2. Task: Explain the specific responsibility or goal you had in the situation. This could be an individual task or a team objective. Clearly define what you were expected to achieve or the problem you needed to solve.
3. Action: Describe the steps you took to address the task or overcome the challenge. Focus on your role and the actions you personally took to contribute to the solution. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills, decision-making abilities, and leadership qualities.
4. Result: Explain the outcome of your actions, emphasizing the positive impact or success you achieved. Whenever possible, use quantifiable metrics or concrete examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of your approach. This could include cost savings, increased sales, improved efficiency, or other tangible benefits.

By using the STAR method in job interviews, you can provide well-organized answers that demonstrate your competency and experience, while showcasing your ability to analyze problems and achieve results. Practice using the STAR method with various examples from your work history to become more adept at answering behavioral questions effectively.

Let’s see some scenarios with sample answers:

1. Situation: Working in a previous role as a customer service representative. Task: Handling an irate customer demanding a refund. Action: Empathized with the customer, reviewed the refund policy, and offered alternative solutions. Result: The customer was satisfied with the resolution and praised your professionalism.
2. Situation: Being a team leader in a software development project. Task: Ensuring the project was completed on time and within budget. Action: Delegated tasks effectively, held regular progress meetings, and addressed any issues promptly. Result: The project was delivered on time and met all objectives.
3. Situation: Working as a marketing coordinator for a small business. Task: Launching a social media campaign to increase brand awareness. Action: Created engaging content, monitored analytics, and adjusted the strategy accordingly. Result: Gained a significant increase in followers and engagement, leading to higher website traffic and sales.
4. Situation: Working as a sales associate in a retail store. Task: Meeting monthly sales targets. Action: Engaged with customers, provided personalized suggestions, and upsold related products. Result: Consistently met or exceeded sales targets each month.
5. Situation: Volunteering at a local non-profit organization. Task: Organizing a fundraising event. Action: Coordinated with team members, secured sponsorships, and promoted the event. Result: The event raised more funds than expected and attracted new supporters.
6. Situation: Working as a project manager in a construction company. Task: Streamlining communication between stakeholders. Action: Implemented a project management software, scheduled regular updates, and encouraged open feedback. Result: Improved communication, reducing delays and misunderstandings.
7. Situation: Joining a new team in a managerial role. Task: Building trust and rapport with team members. Action: Scheduled one-on-one meetings, encouraged open communication, and provided regular feedback. Result: Established strong relationships, leading to increased team morale and productivity.
8. Situation: Working as a graphic designer for an advertising agency. Task: Meeting a tight deadline for a high-priority client. Action: Prioritized tasks, worked extra hours, and communicated progress to the client. Result: Delivered the project on time, impressing the client and securing future business.
9. Situation: Being a financial analyst for a mid-sized company. Task: Identifying cost-saving measures. Action: Conducted a thorough analysis of expenses, identified inefficiencies, and proposed actionable solutions. Result: Implemented changes that saved the company a significant amount in annual expenses.
10. Situation: Working as an HR specialist during a period of company restructuring. Task: Managing employee concerns and mitigating potential issues. Action: Held information sessions, provided resources, and offered support to affected employees. Result: The restructuring process went smoothly with minimal negative impact on morale and retention.

When using the STAR method, remember to be specific and concise in your examples. Practice with various scenarios to become more comfortable and confident in your responses.

Answering the “What is your greatest weakness?” question in a job interview can be tricky, but it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and show how you’re working to improve. Here are five great ways to answer this question:

1. Be honest, but strategic: Choose a weakness that is genuine, but not directly related to the core competencies of the job. For example, if you’re applying for a software engineering position, you might mention your struggle with public speaking but not your difficulty in understanding complex algorithms.
2. Show self-awareness: Admitting your weakness demonstrates that you’re self-aware and open to growth. For example, you could say, “I’ve noticed that I can be overly critical of my work, which can sometimes slow me down. However, I’m learning to trust my skills and seek feedback from others to strike a balance.”

Related post: How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Strength” with 5 examples

1. Highlight steps taken to improve: Explain what you’re doing to overcome your weakness, which will show your dedication to self-improvement. For example, “I’ve been working on my time management skills by using productivity tools and setting daily goals to ensure I stay on track.”
2. Reframe your weakness as a strength: Without sounding defensive, you can show how your weakness has a positive side. For example, “I can be a perfectionist, which means I pay great attention to detail. However, I understand the importance of deadlines and have learned to prioritize tasks effectively to balance my perfectionist tendencies.”
3. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, and Result): Describe a situation where your weakness was evident, the task at hand, the action you took to address it, and the result. This approach demonstrates your ability to recognize, analyze, and solve problems related to your weakness.

Remember to keep your answer concise and focused on the question. By demonstrating self-awareness and a willingness to grow, you can turn this challenging question into an opportunity to showcase your strengths.

Answering the question “What is your greatest strength?” during an interview requires a balance of self-awareness, honesty, and strategic thinking. But you can follow few generic steps to effectively answer this question, Steps:

1. Reflect on your strengths: Before the interview, take the time to think about your skills, experiences, and qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Consider your technical skills, soft skills, and accomplishments that demonstrate your abilities.
2. Align your strengths with the job requirements: Review the job description and identify the key skills and qualities the employer is looking for. Choose a strength that is directly relevant to the position and demonstrates your ability to excel in the role.
3. Be specific and provide examples: Rather than offering a generic response, give a specific example of how you have demonstrated your strength in a professional context. This will provide tangible evidence of your abilities and help the interviewer envision you in the role.
4. Be concise: While it’s important to provide an example, keep your response brief and to the point. Aim to answer the question in under a minute to maintain the interviewer’s attention.
5. Practice your response: To avoid sounding rehearsed, practice your answer several times before the interview. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your strengths.

Here’s an example of a well-crafted response:

“My greatest strength is my ability to effectively manage teams and projects. In my previous role as a project manager, I successfully led a cross-functional team of 10 people to complete a high-priority project within the tight deadline and under budget. My strong communication skills and attention to detail allowed me to identify potential issues early on and address them efficiently, ensuring the project’s success. I believe this skill will be particularly valuable in this position as it requires overseeing multiple projects and collaborating with various teams.”

Related post: 5 nice Ways to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?”

I’m adding 5 more examples of here to make it more clear. Examples:

1. Adaptability: “My greatest strength is my adaptability. I can quickly adjust to new situations and thrive in changing environments. In my previous role, our company went through a major organizational restructuring. I was able to adapt to the changes and assist my team in doing so as well, ultimately leading us to exceed our performance targets during the transition. I believe this skill will be valuable in this position, as it requires working in a fast-paced, dynamic industry.”
2. Problem-solving: “My greatest strength is my problem-solving ability. I have a keen eye for identifying issues and finding creative solutions to address them. For example, in my last job, I noticed that our team was spending a significant amount of time on manual data entry, which was leading to errors and inefficiencies. I researched and implemented a new software solution that automated the process, saving the team countless hours and reducing errors by 90%. This ability to tackle challenges head-on will be beneficial in this role, where problem-solving is crucial.”
3. Communication skills: “My greatest strength is my communication skills. I am able to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, which has helped me excel in team settings and foster strong relationships with clients. In a previous role, I was responsible for presenting technical information to non-technical stakeholders. My ability to explain concepts in an accessible manner led to improved collaboration and decision-making. I believe that strong communication skills are essential for this position, as it requires working closely with both internal and external stakeholders.”
4. Time management: “My greatest strength is my time management skills. I am highly organized and able to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that I meet deadlines without sacrificing quality. In my previous role, I consistently managed multiple projects with competing deadlines, always delivering on time and exceeding expectations. I believe this skill will be especially valuable in this position, which involves juggling several responsibilities simultaneously.”
5. Leadership: “My greatest strength is my leadership ability. I have a natural talent for inspiring and motivating others, which has allowed me to excel in roles that require team management. In my previous position, I led a team of 12 sales professionals, consistently exceeding our sales targets by implementing strategic plans and fostering a collaborative, supportive team environment. My leadership skills will be an asset in this role, as it requires managing a team and driving performance to achieve success.”