AI Phone Screen Preparation:
Get Past the First Round
Phone screens filter candidates quickly.
Learn what recruiters and hiring managers evaluate and how to advance confidently.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
Phone Screens Are
Your First Hurdle
You're not sure what to expect from AI-specific phone screens versus general SWE screens.
You struggle to explain your AI experience concisely without rambling.
You don't know what questions to ask or how to evaluate if the role is right.
Pass Phone Screens Consistently
The AI Career Accelerator
Phone screens assess baseline fit: experience relevance, communication skills, and enthusiasm. Be concise, relevant, and prepared with good questions.
Prepare Your Pitch
2-3 minute overview of your background and AI experience
Know the Company
Research their AI products, tech stack, and recent news
Have Questions Ready
3-5 thoughtful questions about the role, team, and AI work
Test Your Setup
Check audio, find a quiet space, have resume and notes visible
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Phone Screens Are Quick Filters. Make Every Minute Count.
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions are commonly asked in AI phone screens?
Common questions: Tell me about yourself and your AI experience, Why are you interested in this role?, Walk me through a recent AI project, What's your experience with [specific tech]?, What are you looking for in your next role?, What's your timeline and salary expectations? Be ready for both high-level background questions and specific technical probes based on your resume.
How do recruiter vs. hiring manager phone screens differ?
Recruiter screens focus on: experience fit, timeline, salary expectations, and basic qualifications. They're gatekeepers, not technical evaluators. Hiring manager screens go deeper: specific project discussions, technical judgment questions, team fit assessment. For recruiter screens, be clear and concise. For hiring manager screens, be ready for technical depth while still being conversational.
How do I explain my AI experience in phone screens?
Use a simple structure: (1) Your background in 1-2 sentences, (2) How you got into AI, (3) 2-3 specific AI projects/skills with brief outcomes, (4) What you're looking for now. Example: 'I've been a software engineer for 5 years. Two years ago I started building LLM applications. I've shipped a RAG-based support system that reduced ticket volume by 40%. I'm looking for a role focused on AI product development.' Keep it under 3 minutes.
What questions should I ask in AI phone screens?
Good questions: What does the AI team work on day-to-day?, What's the biggest challenge facing the AI team?, How is AI work evaluated and prioritized?, What's the tech stack for AI projects?, What does the interview process look like? Avoid: questions about vacation policy, remote work flexibility (save for later), or anything easily found on their website. Show you've done research.
Should I send a follow-up after an AI phone screen?
Yes—a brief email within 24 hours: thank them for their time, mention one specific thing you discussed, reiterate your interest. Keep it to 3-4 sentences. This is professional courtesy, not desperate. If you haven't heard back within their stated timeline + 2-3 days, one polite follow-up is appropriate. After that, move on.
How long do AI phone screens typically take?
Recruiter screens: 15-30 minutes. Hiring manager screens: 30-45 minutes. Prepare for the longer end so you're not caught off-guard. If the call is scheduled for 30 minutes, the interviewer will manage time. Don't check the clock—focus on the conversation.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available