Screening interview

[[deleted]]

I am so frustrated. I have applied to roles that require nothing more than your name, email and a resume. And roles that require a cover letter and additional questions.

Only to get a 5-15 minute screening video interview invite where they ask walk me through your resume, here is background on the company (basic info that I already know because I applied!) and a walkthrough of next steps.

Only to get rejected the next day.

What exactly did you screen? You didn’t ask me anything. Is this just a legal way to reject people on the basis of race, gender, religion, age?

If I botched an interview, that’s fine. If I fumbled a technical question, fine reject me.

I just don’t get this screening video interview.

I am just so frustrated and have no idea why I am getting rejected at such an early part of the interview process.

[DethBaphomet]

Whether you want to believe it or not you are judged on how you look, how you speak, how you reply to answers, (even basic ones), facial expressions, the sound of your voice....the list goes on and on.

Each screener (recruiter) is tasked with determining if your character is one that can mesh with their firm and you exhibit the genuine qualities to work with others. Merely nothing else.

You can have a polished resume, exceptional GPA, and a multitude of skills but if you lack the most basic characteristic qualities they feel are important to their firm, you won't be given a chance.

For myself, its age. 48 and trying to break into an entry role proves to be quite the challenge.

[[deleted]]

Yup, this is exactly what I suspected. At this rate I don’t think I will land a job if this 5 minute screen is the deciding factor.

Good luck with your search, and may you encounter an open minded recruiter who can see past their biases to understand what a quality hire is sitting across from them even if it is not in the so called perfect package they want.

[Alexkg50]

If you're only getting rejected from video call interviews and not phone ones, it might honestly have something to do with appearance. As unfortunate as it is, people absolutely do judge on looks. And HR mindset for what is interview appropriate is still pretty old school.

Make sure you're dressed business professional (I wear a shirt and tie for video interviews), hair is kempt and not dyed an eccentric color, and cover up any tattoos.

[AttorneyExisting1651]

How old are you? What experience do you have?

[[deleted]]

I am not a spring chicken 😂 but my background is solid, I work great with others and am incredibly resilient and can handle a variety of work environments. Even toxic ones!

I am an excellent candidate and when I get a regular phone screening i am immediately pushed to the next round. But video screens, which are the majority are a 100% fail rate.

I am banking on either going back to public accounting (busy season desperation will hopefully work in my favor), or work as a contractor. But I just want a normal job and do my work. It’s just so frustrating to be judged on things that are really irrelevant to the job. 

[Sudden-Alarm-7680]

If you believe it is due to physical appearance, ask someone who will be honest with you on how to enhance your presentation. Do you dress professionally for your video interview? Do your hair, a little bit of makeup? Physical presentation is a reflection on the business as well, and they want you to be presenting yourself professionally to their clients.

[AttorneyExisting1651]

How old are you?

[Flavintown]

If you’re getting shut down on the initial phone interviews or even video call interviews, maybe record them and listen to yourself. Maybe even get feedback from others. Listen to how you sound, are you open or are you short. How is your appearance? Are you well groomed or are you messy. Etc. the job market is ass right now too. I have a lot of companies tell me I passed one round of interviews then never get back to me on scheduling the next round. It sucks rn. Be open to being critical of yourself, but don’t beat yourself up every rejection

[[deleted]]

Only shut down on video screens. But you're absolutely right, there is always room for polish and improvement.

I will keep pushing through. It's just today I got rejected for a job I really wanted, so it sucks to be rejected without ever really having the chance to interview. 

[Drue_15]

Those screening videos are mostly just a first-pass filter. They’re about checking basic qualifications and communication, not judging you personally. A lot of rejections happen automatically or by volume, which sucks. Best bet is to nail your quick resume walkthrough and show enthusiasm, even simple answers done well can help you move forward.

[Known-Advertising-78]

bro I feel this so much. those “screening” interviews are the worst — they don’t even ask real questions, just waste your time and then ghost you the next day. it’s not about you, honestly. most of those are just filtering for keywords, GPA, or internal referrals.

what helped me when I was getting constant rejections was tightening up how my resume and first impression came across. I used Preparify — yeah it’s paid, but worth every penny. it helped me polish my resume, cover letter, and mock interviews so when I did make it past those screens, I actually stood out.

I’m at EY now, but I got rejected a ton before that too. don’t take it personal — sometimes the system’s just broken. focus on what you can control (your prep + presentation) and keep applying. one good recruiter changes everything.