Power Moves: The Phone Screen

You get a call from a recruiter. They say, “We’d love to schedule a quick chat to learn more about your background.”

And just like that, you’re in the process!

But here’s the thing: The phone screen shouldn’t be just a “check-the-box” kind of conversation. It’s your first and best chance to figure out if the role is truly worth your time.

Too many job seekers show up to these calls focused on making a great impression, but forget to protect their own interests in the process.

And that’s when the problems creep in:

• You make it to the final round, only to learn the salary is nowhere near your minimum.
• You accept an offer and find out the benefits are sky-high, a pay cut in disguise.
• You realize the job never existed. You were just a number to pad someone’s pipeline.

Sound familiar?

This is why the phone screen should always be a two-way conversation.

Spotting Red Flags Before They Cost You

It’s not just about asking questions, it’s about asking the right questions that help you uncover the right red flags.

A vague answer about timeline? Could mean they’re not in a hurry to hire.

A vague answer about compensation? Might mean it’s well below what you’d expect.

Knowing which questions to ask and what those answers reveal is the key.

Here are three essential topics every job seeker should explore in a phone screen:

1. Compensation & Benefits Uncovering the budget for the role is key. And don’t forget to get clarity on benefit costs. Know the full compensation picture before moving forward.

2. The Hiring Process Ask how many steps are involved and who makes the decisions. If it sounds chaotic or unclear, that could signal future roadblocks.

3. Timeline Find out when they plan to make a decision and when they’d like someone to start. If there’s no urgency or clarity here, you deserve to know before investing your time.

Final Thoughts

This is your career. Your time. Your income.

You deserve transparency before you get too far in.

If you’re tired of wasted interviews or surprise offers that don’t meet your needs, then check out my Digital Phone Screen Prep Bundle.

👉 You can download it here!

It’s practical, easy to follow, and built to help you read between the lines, ask the right questions, and make confident choices.

Sound Off!

1. How do you gauge if a job is “real” or if you’re just pipeline filler?
2. What’s the biggest red flag you’ve uncovered in an early interview?
3. Do you approach phone screens differently now than you did years ago?
4. Have you ever been caught off guard by a surprise in the offer stage?

Weekly Workshops for EVERY Job Seeker

Sponsored by A People Partner, LLC , this free workshop is open to every job seeker, no matter your budget or background.

Spotting Job Scams (Before They Spot You)

This Thursday, we’re breaking it all down: how to recognize red flags before you waste your time, risk your data, or lose money.

You’ll learn how to:

✔ Identify fake job posts, sketchy recruiters, and suspicious onboarding steps

✔ Protect your personal info and stay safe during your job search

✔ Spot red flags in outreach, interviews, and offer letters

✔ What to do when something feels off

Plus: Stick around for an open Q&A / Ask Me Anything session at the end!

Bring your questions, your stories, or that weird recruiter message you weren’t sure how to handle.

📅 When: Thursday, June 19th (and every Thursday!)

👉 Register now!