257: How to ACE Your Phone Screen Interview & Move Forward

You made it to the first interview. You felt like it went well. And then… you got the rejection email.

In this episode, we break down exactly what recruiters are looking for during the first interview (especially the recruiter phone screen), and why candidates get rejected after making it to the top 3% of applicants.

You’ll learn:

• Why only ~3% of applicants make it to the interview stage

• 2 reasons you might get rejected that have nothing to do with you

• 5 quick fixes you can implement immediately

• 5 deeper improvements that require practice

• How to fix professionalism red flags

• The biggest energy mistake candidates make

• How to answer salary questions confidently

• Why clarity creates confidence (and job offers)

• How to close your interview strong

This episode is especially helpful if:

• You keep getting interviews but no offers

• You feel like interviews “go well” but you don’t move forward

• You’re a career pivoter trying to position your experience

• You want Christian career coaching that’s both practical and biblical

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:

https://portal.kelseykemp.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6222458612c06afee1de0032/schedule

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

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TIME STAMPS

01:00 – The Purpose of a Recruiter Phone Screen

02:45 – Why Only 3% Get the Interview

07:00 – 2 Reasons You Get Rejected

14:30 – Professionalism Red Flags

20:00 – Energy & Contribution vs Getting Mindset

25:40 – 90-Second Interview Prep Plan

28:00 – Salary Expectations: What to Say (and Not Say)

32:00 – Clarity = Confidence (What Recruiters Want to Hear)

39:20 – How to Close Strong and Move Forward