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Introductory Call

Written by

Lily Yuan

Reviewed by

VidCruiter Editorial Team

Last Modified

Jan 22, 2025
Introductory Call
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What is an Introductory Call?

Introductory Call Meaning

An introductory call is the initial conversation between a recruiter, HR representative, or hiring manager and job candidate. The purpose of this call is typically to:

  1. Introduce the company – provide an overview of the organization, its culture, and the job role. 
  2. Discuss the candidate’s background – understand the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and career goals. 
  3. Set expectations – explain the recruitment process, timelines, and next steps. 
  4. Clarify job details – provide more information about the role, such as responsibilities, location, compensation, and benefits. 

An introductory call is usually a brief, informal conversation, ranging from 10-20 minutes in length, designed to assess whether there’s a mutual interest before moving forward to more formal interview stages. 

Introductory Call Questions Recruiters Can Ask

  • How did you get started in your current position or field?
  • What are you hoping to achieve in your career in the coming months or year? 
  • Do you prefer brief updates on work responsibilities, or do you like to dive into more detailed discussions?
  • How do you typically manage tight deadlines or high-pressure situations?
  • What are you most passionate about in your professional life?

Related Terms

Knockout Questions

are quick questions that determine whether a candidate is qualified for the position before moving onto later stages.

ATS-Friendly Resume

is a resume designed to be easily read by and pass through an applicant tracking system so it could reach human recruiters.

Employee Lifecycle

are seven stages through which employees go through in their time with an organization: attraction, recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, offboarding, exit and advocacy.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Introductory Calls

How can you prepare for an introductory call?

Candidates should be ready to discuss their resume, career goals, and interest in the position. They can research the organization beforehand, and prepare any questions they may have about the role, team, or company culture.

Will there be technical questions during the introductory call?

Typically, an introductory call is not focused on technical questions, even for roles where specialized skills are required. However, in some cases, a recruiter may ask basic technical questions to gauge a candidate’s knowledge in relevant areas.

What kinds of questions will candidates be asked during an introductory call?

Common questions during these preliminary calls might include:

  • Can you briefly walk me through your resume?
  • Why are you interested in this role?
  • What are your salary expectations?
  • What are your career goals and how does this role fit into them?
  • When would you be available to start?

What happens after the introductory call?

If the call goes well, the recruiter may schedule a formal interview or provide details about the next steps in the hiring process. If they decide you’re not the best fit for the role, they might inform you that they’ll proceed with other candidates.