Screen the screener

The headline read something like: What 10 things candidates do that drives Recruiters crazy. 

For openers, I ignore all articles like this and I suggest you do the same.

Aside this is how Internet marketing people hope to get people to click on Web content of any variety, regardless of subject (EVERYTHING is now a TOP TEN-LIKE HEADLINE positioned somewhere on your screen) pay no attention to articles about what recruiters don't like...or like. And pay no attention to the man behind the curtain because it was a GREAT line from The Wizard of Oz and I felt like including it- so there.

The next time a Recruiter puts you up on the Witness Stand and starts grilling you with questions, tell them you can't do this phone interview unless you know something about them.

If they won't oblige, politely tell them you are about to end the call. 9 times out of 10, this person is not in any position to do anything except pass your resume along to someone only slightly less empowered to assist you.

Ask the recruiter the purpose of this phone interview/screen
Ask the recruiter ALL the steps they must pass to get an interview with someone who understands the type of work you do and has the authority to hire you.
Ask the recruiter if THEY THEMSELVES are employed by this company.
Ask the recruiter their unique qualifications that qualifies THEM to qualify you.

Truth is, doing this won't advance your cause....that's the bad news. Good news is you waste no time being interrogated by someone not qualified to qualify you.  

But taking this approach allows you to learn who you are talking to. By this I mean can they do anything but DISQUALIFY you?

They're are MILLIONS of people in the U.S. employed in the DISQUALIFYING business. They usually have ridiculous titles like "Sr Talent Acquisition Specialist" . Beyond ridiculous.

Their EMPLOYMENT HISTORIES??...don't get me started- but they are there to screen you.

If you have a long track record with notable employers in your industry, this post is not about you, If you are the other 90%, take charge of your career and don't subject yourself to these "screening calls".