How to answer common recruiter screen questions

You are in an initial recruiter/phone screen for a software engineering role. The recruiter asks a mix of logistics, employment-history, motivation, and behavioral questions.

Prepare clear, professional answers (no need to write full scripts, but outline what you would say) for the following:

Work setup and logistics

• What are your thoughts on potentially working in-office / hybrid?
• Do you require employment sponsorship?
• What would be your preferred coding language for the technical interview?

Current role and employment history

• You’re currently a software engineer at Company X — is that correct?
• When did you depart from Company X?
• What was the nature of your departure? (e.g., layoff vs. performance vs. resignation)
• Were you a full-time employee or a contractor?
• How long were you at Company X in total?
• Did you go through promotion cycles while you were there? What level did you start at, and what level were you when you left?
• Give a high-level overview of the work you did. Was it similar when you re-joined Company X (if applicable)?

Behavioral signal

• Describe a recent project with significant ambiguity. How did you work through it and deliver?

Search process and motivation

• Are you in early conversations, final rounds, or holding offers?
• What timeline do you have for your job search?
• Why are you interested in this company?
• Have you interviewed here before?
• Do you know anyone who currently works here?

Compensation

• What was your base compensation and equity previously?
• What are your compensation expectations now?

Assume the recruiter is evaluating: clarity, integrity, seniority/impact, communication, role fit, and risk (timeline/comp/work authorization).