I believe I applied for XX job

I tend to follow a pretty standard introduction when calling someone to follow up on the application he/she submitted. It goes something like:

"Good afternoon, so-and-so. My name is Yours Truly, and I'm following up on the application you submitted for XX job at YY company. I was wondering if this is a good time to chat, or if you wanted to schedule something for a later time."

If we move forward with the phone interview at that time, I'll ask them what interested them in that position. You know what gets me? When they reply, "I believe I applied for XX job at YY company."

Yes. Yes, you did.

That's precisely what I said at the beginning of this conversation.

One: obviously you weren't paying attention at that point in time. Minus points.

Two: that doesn't answer the question. Also minus points.

My response, usually a couple of seconds later to attempt to eliminate the 'no shit, Sherlock' tone from my voice, "Yeah, so what interested you in the position?"

Come on, people, listen! It's not good for you if the recruiter is mentally ticking off reasons why not to hire you sixteen seconds into the conversation. You best be ready to impress with some responses that answer the next several questions clearly and to a T without giving the recruiter any reason to think you're inept at listening because you can't answer a question properly.