Lauren Singh

Recruiter screens can feel like a mystery. What are we actually looking for, and how do you stand out in just 15 minutes?

In my role on the People team at Checkly, I’ve conducted many first interviews (or screens) with candidates. I’ve seen what helps candidates leave a strong impression, and what tends to fall flat. This guide pulls together everything I’ve learned from those early conversations, plus insights from talking with hiring managers about what they’re really looking for, so you can show up confident, prepared, and ready to make a strong first impression.

A solid intro sets the tone for the interview, so make sure to start strong. First things first—introduce yourself by name! Then, give a quick rundown of your background and what excites you about the opportunity. Keep it short but impactful.

A good way to do this? Mention what you do now, highlight a key strength or interest, and connect it back to the role you’re interviewing for. Something like:

"Hey, I’m Michelle! I’m a frontend engineer who loves creating smooth, high-performing web experiences. Lately, I’ve been really focused on web performance and accessibility—two areas I know matter a lot at Checkly. That’s a big reason why this opportunity is so exciting to me!"

This helps the recruiter see right away how your experience lines up with the role. A clear, confident intro makes a great first impression and sets the stage for the rest of the conversation!

One of the biggest things that trips candidates up is communication. Specifically, being able to explain complex topics in a clear, structured way. Whether you're breaking down a project you've worked on or answering a technical question, your response should be easy to follow. The key? Don’t assume the person on the other side just “gets it.” Walk them through your thought process step by step, and make sure you’re covering the key details, but don’t feel like you need to explain everything all at once. A good way to keep things balanced is to start with a high-level overview and then check in to see if they’d like you to dive deeper.

This is especially important in async work environments like Checkly, where clear communication is everything. Being able to explain your ideas thoroughly, and in a way that makes sense to people who might not have the same background as you, will make you stand out in any interview.

When we ask about your background, don’t just walk us through your resume—we’ve already read it. Instead, use that moment to go deeper: how does your experience actually connect to the role and the company? Highlight the skills that matter most and explain how they translate to what you’d be doing here. Think beyond just listing past responsibilities, what problems have you solved? What impact have you made?

For example, if you've led a project, don’t just say "I managed X." Instead, talk about how you managed it, what challenges you faced, and what the outcome was. A great way to structure your answers is using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It helps keep your response clear, engaging, and results-driven.

The goal isn’t to recite your work history but to tell a compelling story about what you bring to the table. A recruiter screening is your chance to connect the dots between your background and what the company is looking for, so make it count!

Be Ready to Answer: “What Are You Looking for in a New Job?”

This question always comes up, so having a solid answer ready is a must. We’re not looking for a super generic response, we genuinely want to understand what’s driving you to make a move. Are you looking for more growth? A different team dynamic? A mission that excites you? Be specific about what matters most to you in your next role and work environment.

But don’t just focus on what you want, show what you bring. Instead of saying something like, "I’m looking for a role where I can grow," try something like, "I’m at my best in environments where things move quickly, people work together, and I can really take ownership of what I’m building. I’ve grown a ton in my current role, but I’m excited to step into a position where I can contribute on a bigger scale and level up my skills in [specific area]."

And if you can, connect your answer to the company’s mission or values, this is such an easy way to stand out. For example, "I’ve been following Checkly’s blog, and I love how much emphasis you place on async work and autonomy. That’s exactly the kind of environment where I thrive." It’s a great way to show you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re actually excited about this one.

Take some time to actually dig into the company before your interview. You want to have a solid understanding of what they do, who they serve, and what they stand for. No one expects you to be an expert on their product or values, but showing up with some level of familiarity will make a big difference. Even just reading through their website, blog, and recent announcements can give you a good feel for what they’re all about.

But research isn’t just about impressing the interviewer, it also helps you figure out if this is the right place for you. What excites you about their work? Does their mission align with what you’re looking for?

Once you have a baseline understanding, come prepared with a few thoughtful questions. Not just "What’s the company culture like?" (which is fine, but pretty broad), but something more specific, like:

"I saw that async work is a big focus at Checkly, how does that play out in day-to-day collaboration?"

"I noticed the team is growing quickly, what challenges or opportunities come with that?"

Having good questions not only shows that you did your homework, but it also helps you have a more engaging and meaningful conversation. If you need some inspiration, check out Interview Expectations: Insights for Senior-Level Candidates.

Recruiter screenings aren’t the time to downplay your achievements, this is your opportunity to shine! We want to hear about what makes you unique and what you bring to the table.

Confidence really goes a long way here. The key is finding that sweet spot: be proud of your accomplishments without tipping into arrogance. It’s not about bragging—it’s about clearly showing why you’re a strong fit for the role.

Think about what sets you apart. Maybe it’s a unique skill, a creative project, or a win you’re genuinely proud of. When you talk about it, try to hit on:

Why it’s mattered: What made it stand out?

What you had to overcome: Any challenges you tackled?

The impact it had: How did it help your team or the company?

Bottom line, this is your moment to show us what you’re capable of, in a real and relatable way. Don’t hold back.

At Checkly, our blog is basically a window into who we are—what we’re building, what we believe in, and the stuff that gets us fired up. It’s a great way to get a feel for our culture, what drives us, and the kinds of challenges we’re digging into.

Taking a few minutes to check it out can give you a deeper sense of what we’re about—and honestly, it can spark some really great conversation in your interview. If something stands out or resonates with you, don’t be shy about mentioning it. It’s a simple way to keep the chat more real, show that you’ve done your homework, and find some common ground to kick off a more meaningful conversation.

Ask the Right Questions at the Right Time

Keep in mind that recruiters typically aren't technical experts. While we can definitely give you insights on team structure, company culture, and how the hiring process works, the deep-dive technical stuff is better saved for your chat with the hiring manager. The recruiter screening is really about the bigger picture: how you might fit into the team, how your values align with the company, and what kind of soft skills you bring to the table.

When you’re talking with a recruiter, it’s worth focusing on things like:

The Hiring Process: Ask what the steps look like, how long things usually take, and what to expect at each stage. It’ll help you prep and set expectations from the start.

Company Culture: Curious about how the team works together, what the vibe’s like, or how the company supports growth? This is the time to ask. It shows you’re thinking beyond just getting the job, you’re thinking about how you’ll thrive in it.

What the Role Really Looks Like: Use this time to get a sense of the day-to-day, what challenges the team’s working through, and the kind of person they’re hoping to bring on. It helps you figure out if it’s a good match from both sides.

Asking thoughtful questions about these things shows you’re not just here to tick a box, you’re actually thinking about how this role fits into the bigger picture. It tells us you’re curious, intentional, and thinking things through, which we love to see. And just as importantly, it helps you figure out if this is the kind of team and company you’ll actually enjoy being a part of.

A recruiter screening is your first chance to make a strong impression, and a little preparation goes a long way. Clear communication, enthusiasm for the company, and confidence in your skills will help you stand out.

Take the time to prepare, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your next role. If you’ve got a recruiter screening coming up, good luck! 🚀

How to Ace Your Recruiter Screen Interview

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How to Ace Your Recruiter Screen Interview