Internal recruiter 'chat'

[Wonderbug81]

What does it mean when you apply for a role through Linkedin and the internal recruiter says they'd like to have a (virtual) chat with you?

What exactly should I expect? Is it like a pre-screening?

I've recently started job hunting after redundancy. Haven't been in the market for a few years and things have changed a lot!

I don't think it would be a formal screening, more a chance to see informally if the basis of a mutual fit existed - from your point of view that your understanding of the role was correct; from their point of view that you appear to have the essential competencies, you're not some random chancer applying for jobs in a scattergun way.

It's a way of you both sussing out whether it's worthwhile you progressing your application.

For you - is this the job for you, is this somewhere you'd like to work?

For them - are you a good candidate, do you have the right skills, are you the right fit.

Great thanks. So I should be prepared for the usual interview questions but more likely it will be a bit more informal and discursive.

Yes - I would expect an open style of discussion about your skills and experience. It's a good chance to mention any standout achievements - basically make them think you are someone they must interview. Also prepare to say what attracted you to that role and particularly, that organisation. If you can research the person you're meeting or the hiring manager that would be a brownie points opportunity.

It’s a relaxed first meeting to see if you are the right for for one another.

When our internal recruiter pre screens applicants for my department she is largely looking at right to work, salary expectations and notice period. However other places might be doing more substantive screens so more akin to the first interview.

Thank you, very helpful!

For us - it's putting a human face to the organisation - helping the candidate understand what we do, it's not pre-screening but lots of people choose not to proceed - which means we've saved time for them and us.