Common techniques employers use for screening candidates

One increasingly popular screening method is with the use of keyword matching software.
Electronic tools have been designed to pick up keywords from cover letters and resumes received via email. The employer will program the software to locate particular keywords on each application. The keywords will be selected based on the job requirements. Applications will then be stored in order of keyword density. In other words, the more of the required keywords appear on your resume, the closer you will be to the top of the pile. The way to utilize this tool to your advantage is to make specific reference to the employer’s requirements in your cover letter, and indicate how you satisfy it. Use the employer’s words when you address their requirements. If you use the exact words that appear on the job posting, you stand a far greater chance of falling within radar range.

Another method for initially screening out candidates is the unscheduled telephone interview.  Without notice, you could receive a call from the human resources department. It may come at an inconvenient time. You will have had no opportunity to prepare for questions or plan for a discussion. This is considered by many to be an unfair approach, but it happens and you should be prepared to respond. In this case, you have two options: if you feel that you are prepared and confident, you can take the call and allow yourself to be interviewed. This is risky, for several reasons. First, the HR person has had a chance to plan this call and prepare specific questions.  You have not. You risk making an error in one of your responses. Secondly, you can make a much better impression in person. By allowing yourself to be interviewed over the phone, you may be eliminating your chances of a face to face interview. Your other option is to politely indicate that this is not a good time and suggest setting a specific time at which you will call in and facilitate the discussion. Utilize the time you have bought yourself to prepare for the discussion. You might consider asking to set up a face to face meeting, but if this is declined, at least, you’ve managed to give yourself some preparation time and clear your schedule to accommodate a telephone discussion without interruptions or outside distractions.