- Why are you seeking a new job?
- Tell me about what motivates you. …
- Describe the best boss you’ve ever reported to. …
- What sort of manager are you? …
- If I were to call up your previous boss, what would they tell me is your strongest quality and why? …
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Okay, seems like the hard part is over—you got the interview! But… It’s a phone interview. Is it different from a regular one? Are phone interview questions different?
This guide will walk you through what to expect, and a few helpful tips to close it off right.
Get ready to learn the answers to the most common phone interview questions, plus a bonus: some typical questions to ask during a phone interview (yes, you can and should do that!).
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Phone Interview Questions and Answers Examples – How to Prepare for Phone Interviews
Reschedule, if necessary
If you’re unable to meet at the suggested time, consider suggesting other times that are more convenient for you. Offer your interviewer a few days and times that work well for you, and then discuss a time you both find an accommodating. Rescheduling if you need more time or have a conflicting appointment ensures you’re ready for your interview and promotes honest communication, which is often a valuable skill employers look for.
Read more: 7 Steps to Reschedule a Job Interview
2 Set a professional voicemail
In the event you can’t answer the phone when they initially call, leave a good impression by having a professional and friendly voicemail. For example, “Hi, you’ve reached Jane. I’m sorry I missed your call. Please leave a detailed message and a call back number, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.”
Look over the job description
Understanding what the employer is looking for in an employee and what your responsibilities will be can help you tailor your answers to various interview questions. If they’re looking for an employee with certain design software skills and who has experience creating graphics for B2B companies, you’ll want to mention this during your interview.
“Tell me about yourself.” Or, ”Walk me through your resume.”
These two similar (but not identical) questions are common interview openers. Asking one of these helps connect the dots between you and the position, says Muse career coach Angela Smith, a former recruiter. Sometimes the person interviewing you won’t be the hiring manager but a recruiter or someone in HR who has little background in your field. In that case, they may have zero context as to what makes your resume a good fit. “And for people who have a really diverse background or random jobs,” she adds, “it can be hard for the person reading the resume to make those connections.”
Wascovich points out that what the interviewer is really looking for in your answer is: “Tell me about yourself as it’s relevant to the role you’re currently interviewing for.”
So focus on the skills and experiences that are most applicable. You can simplify your answer by using the “present-past-future” formula. Explain where you are and what you do now, segue into what you’ve done in the past, and end with a brief explanation of what you’re looking forward to doing in the future (and how it relates to this job!).
31 Phone Interview Tips That Will Secure a Second Interview
Phone interviews are the first step to getting that job. Learn the best tricks to ace your phone interview, including common phone interview questions.
Phone Interview Questions & Answers
When you’re trying to find a job, you will probably face a dreadful phone interview. A phone interview, or phone screen, is used by companies to narrow the list of potential candidates to bring in for a face-to-face interview.
Since this is the first step in the process, it’s critical that you ace the phone interview to increase your chances of making it to the next round. When you have an in-person interview, you thrive off the visual cues that the interviewer is giving you. That’s what makes the phone interview so challenging.
You need to demonstrate your fit for the position while conveying your interest and enthusiasm for the company, without them being able to see your face. There’s a lot you have to say in a short amount of time.
These are just a small sampling, the last one is perhaps the most important. You need to be prepared with specific times you can dedicate to an in-person interview. It’s likely the company will want to move quickly, so you need to be prepared to meet the same week if you make it past the phone interview.
FAQ
What questions are asked in a quick phone interview?
- Tell me a bit about yourself. …
- Why are you looking for a new position? …
- What about this position attracted you to apply? …
- Tell me about your current job responsibilities. …
- Describe your style of work in a few sentences. …
- How would your current skills be a match for this job?
How do I prepare for a 30-minute phone interview?
- Confirm the Details. You’ve just scheduled your phone interview. …
- Do Your Homework. …
- Find a Quiet Spot to Interview. …
- Research Common Interview Questions. …
- Be Prepared to Ask Thoughtful Questions. …
- Create a Cheat Sheet. …
- Practice with a Mock Interview. …
- Plan for Worst-Case Scenarios.
What questions are asked during a 30-minute phone interview?
- Example Question: What would you do if you found yourself struggling to meet your objectives after 90 days? …
- Example Question: Why shouldn’t I hire you? ( …
- Example Question: Why is this position the direction you want to go with your career?
How many questions is a 30-minute interview?
