Telephone Interview
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30 Telephone Interview Questions

By: Rachelle Enns

Question 1 of 30

What are the top duties in your current position?

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A great way to prepare for your interview is to reflect on the main tasks in your current position and how that experience would make you a strong candidate for the job for which you are applying. The interviewer wants to know if you have the knowledge and skills required to be successful in this position. Make sure you are familiar with the job description before your interview! You will want to draw on that valuable information.

Example Answer

"The top duties in my current position are to deliver exceptional customer service, attempt to upsell every existing client at every touch point, and conduct 50 outbound cold calls per week. I understand that the primary skills you are seeking are in cold calling, up-selling, and customer service. I see a great match between my current job duties and this particular position."

Admin Example

"In my current role, being a solid organizer is the name of the game. I am the administrative support for the VP and President of the company. My day includes arranging their schedules, booking their travel, ordering lunch for meetings, and more. I do it all!"

Manager Example

"Some of the top duties I perform in my current position include succession planning, strategic planning and talent reviews across the organization. Together with other leaders, we work closely to drive such top initiatives. I see in your job posting that you mentioned KPI tracking and strategic planning a few times. I am certainly well versed in those areas."

Marketing Example

"Currently, my position focuses both on helping to strategize content as well as its execution. I am responsible for taking a broad category, for instance, "new recipe blog post" and developing the recipe, writing the post, and sharing the content. This approach applies to social media and email marketing as well. I have a small amount of direction and then am left to develop the content, write, edit, schedule, and post it, as well as shoot the photos and work on any graphics included in the campaign."

Retail Example

"My top duties include scheduling my team's shifts, projections, and forecasting, directing the merchandising of apparel and accessories, and assisting with buying decisions. I know that my current position aligns perfectly with the skill set you mentioned in your job posting."

Sales Example

"Currently, I am responsible for the development of a new territory via a combination of both inside and outside sales. I handle the full sales cycle, from prospecting to customer acquisition, and order placing to negotiation on the individual sales themselves. I would say my top priorities in my job are customer service, prospecting and pitching, and closing the sale. I'm comfortable with the entire sales process, front to back, and believe those are the skills your organization is looking for."

Teacher Example

"My primary duty is to ensure the physical and educational well-being of my students. In an average day, I am teaching, marking, being a mentor, and also coaching the girls' volleyball team on the side. I play an active part in my school and the community."

Community Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"For the last two years, I have experienced all different areas of a retail store. My first year was on the floor, the backstage, technical area, and business area. Then, in my second year, I focused on supporting the leaders on the floor."

Rachelle Enns' Professional Opinion:

Good examples; however, they could be more specific. If these terms (backstage, technical area) are exclusive to your current employer, be sure to use language that is better recognized in the retail industry.

Rachelle Enns' Revised Answer:

"My top duties include employee scheduling, creating sales projections, directing the merchandising of accessories, and assisting customers with buying decisions. My previous retail positions align perfectly with the skills required here, including staff training, customer dispute management, and inventory control."

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Question 2 of 30

What do you know about this position?

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When the interviewer asks this question, they are trying to gauge how prepared you are, and your level of interest in the position. An employer wants to know you are enthusiastic about their organization. Express how keen you are by doing your research on the company history, values, goals, competition, and by examining their culture and what makes them unique. To impress the interviewer, pay particular attention to their blogs, events, and social media profiles for unique information that inspires you to work for them.

Example Answer

"I did some research on your organization, and I think it's inspirational that this company started 80 years ago as a mom and pop operation. I understand you now have fifty locations, which is impressive growth. Also, I took a look at your blog and saw a posting about the trees you planted on Earth Day. I'm very passionate about the environment as well. As for the position, I like how the Marketing role is so diverse. The job posting said the incumbent would be working on presentations for clients, graphic design needs, writing copy for various elements, and data entry/admin tasks. I bring strong experience in all of these elements."

Admin Example

"You are the leader in your industry for delivering value to clients in professional services. This role supports the corporate team and their financial planning groups with people development and product training. Is there anything important that you would like to add?"

Manager Example

"I admire that the average tenure of full-time employees across the organization is more than five years, with some 25% of full-time employees in the 15 years or more range. This retention speaks volumes about the company and how it values its people. This care and attention is precisely the type of organization I am looking to be a part of, and I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity."

Marketing Example

"I've been a customer for several years, and so I know you're looking to make video advertising for social accessible, understandable, and affordable. I think that's such a great mission and I love the products. The icing on top is, of course, that I believe in and like your products, and have for quite some time now. I will bring an additional layer of passion to the job, too."

Retail Example

"I have been shopping here since I was a child and your store is a pinnacle of fashion retail. Not only aesthetically, especially with the recent renovations you've done across every store throughout the country, but in the brand name, recognition, and overall as the leader in the industry."

Sales Example

"I know that you guys are an industry giant, one of the big 3, as well as the longest-running in the space. I also know that many people in my network have had successful careers after having started here due to the vast training system you provide and ample opportunities for growth. I'm excited about the multiple paths and opportunities for advancement, along with ongoing education and mentorship."

Teacher Example

"I know that your school was one of the first in this district and that you boast the smallest classroom sizes of any school in your city. I have also looked at the public test results from your Grade 6 PAT's and am very impressed. I also appreciate how involved your parent community is."

Community Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"It is similar to what I did at my previous store. So I would be leading the team together with the Store Manager and be responsible for training, mentoring, and making sure all visual standards align with your company's policies. I would work on inventory and inventory accuracy. I would also create a fun and inspiring work environment."

Rachelle Enns' Professional Opinion:

It looks like you have a good handle on the job duties, as per the job description. I have reworded to help with the flow.

Rachelle Enns' Revised Answer:

"This position is similar to what I have done at the Apple store when it comes to leading the team, together with the store manager, in a creative and inspiring work environment. I am prepared to be responsible for inventory, training, mentoring, and meeting visual standards according to Gucci's policies."

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Question 3 of 30

Tell me one valuable skill that you are currently working on.

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The interviewer wants to see that you are the type of employee dedicated to professional growth. Give an example of a skill that you wish to develop. Bonus points if you can tie that skill in with a talent mentioned in the job posting!

Example Answer

"One skill that I am currently working on is my level of proficiency in Excel. I recently tested as an Intermediate user and would like to become an advanced level user. I have enrolled in a 6-day course at the local college which begins tomorrow. I see that your job posting asks for strong Excel skills. I am confident that I can meet those expectations, and even exceed them, once my course is complete."

Admin Example

"That is a great question! I am currently working on developing my ability to influence without direct authority. I have an executive coach that is helping me do this through mentorship programs and peer practice groups."

Manager Example

"This year I have been diligently working on my ability to create curriculum and new training programs for my staff. I hope to have my first course launched in the next month, or so, however, I still have some technical writing courses to complete before I know it will be perfect execution."

Marketing Example

"I'm currently working on my proficiency in PhotoShop as well as Illustrator and InDesign. I would rate my current skills as intermediate; however, I want to be at an expert level."

Retail Example

"I am working on my assertiveness. Sometimes I have a great idea, and I fumble in asserting myself, and I believe that the team would be much better off if I were to have lobbied for my idea. Or sometimes I am too understanding to last-minute scheduling requests which results in an employee shirking their responsibility and me picking up the slack. I know that this is a weakness of mine and I have made it a point to work on it, including reading "Nice Girls Never Get the Corner Office."

Sales Example

"I'm working on my proficiency in Salesforce. I can indeed navigate it and execute any tasks needed, but I'd love to become a Salesforce admin and be able to customize fields. That said, I'm using Salesforce.com's tutorials online and YouTube videos to up my expertise. I understand that your CRM is Salesforce, so I hope to bring this newfound knowledge and expertise to the role."

Teacher Example

"I have hired a Spanish tutor! I think it would be beneficial for me to have a second language. I do plan to travel to Spain this summer so the skill will be helpful in and out of the classroom."

Community Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have been working on improving myself as a social leader and trying to connect the team to create a sense of belonging. I focus on humility and kindness. I have participated in a kindness challenge. I have also focused on bringing a volunteering program back to our company."

Rachelle Enns' Professional Opinion:

Can you dig into the kindness challenge? It sounds interesting and could be another factor that sets you apart from competing candidates.

Rachelle Enns' Revised Answer:

"I have been working on improving my skills as a social leader. This month, I have taken on the 30-Day Kindness Challenge which is a movement of kindness in the workplace. Each day, I perform one small act of kindness or generosity for someone on my team. I am learning to better connect with my team while creating a sense of belonging for all."

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Question 4 of 30

Briefly walk me through your work history. Please include why you left each position listed on your resume.

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Briefly describe your work history, starting at the least recent position. Be brief and decisive, outlining one or two main achievements in each role. Be sure to include why you left each job while maintaining a positive tone. Avoid complaining about any past jobs or previous employers.

Example Answer

"I began my career, right out of university, with ABC Company. Spending four years there, I was able to triple my portfolio and quickly promoted to sales manager. I left that company in 2009 after being headhunted into a more lucrative role with XYZ Company. I have been with XYZ ever since!"

Admin Example

"I am a recent graduate of the Business Administration program with ABC University. I completed my practicum in an administration role within an Accounts Payable department. This experience was a wonderful one for me and a big reason why I was prompted to apply for your A/P clerk position. I come with some solid references and the eagerness to start a great career."

Manager Example

"I have held progressive roles in management following my education at Brown University, ranging from Coordinator to Generalist to Sr. Manager. Each career move I made was in the interest of developing professionally and becoming more advanced in my field of expertise. My current company has been acquired by a competitor which is why I am proactively seeking a new opportunity."

Marketing Example

"After graduating with a degree in economics, I went into sales. I worked my way up through that company and earned President's Club the last two years in my role. During my last year, I started working doing freelance marketing work during my spare time and ultimately was hired on by my current company, who was one of my first clients. I started as an inbound marketing coordinator, and after a year in that position, I moved into my current role as a content manager. The marketing bug bit me, and I am so happy that it did!"

Retail Example

"I began at ABC company in high school as a part-time sales associate, then moved to full time after graduating. I worked as an assistant department manager while finishing my associates in fashion merchandising. When I went away to get my B.A., I found a seasonal position at a boutique women's store. I continued to work seasonally there during school breaks, and upon graduation, I returned full time as an assistant department manager at ABC company. My tenure has been strong, despite my moving away for school. I am now looking for an employer who can offer me work that relates closer to my education in fashion merchandising."

Sales Example

"I've earned quick promotions across organizations, starting with my first job out of college. Upon graduation, I began with CBA Company as a carrier sales rep. Later, I was promoted to account manager within only a few months. I grew my book of business by over 252% from the baseline that I inherited. I left that position to start as a sales rep at a startup and gained promotion faster than anyone to date in the organization. As an account executive, I closed a deal within 48 hours of promotion, which was also record-setting. I was then headhunted for a strategic sales role at my current business to help get the markets launched across the country. Now, I seek a greater opportunity with less travel. I currently travel overnight 65% of the time."

Teacher Example

"I have been a teacher for fifteen strong years, earning many awards and accolades along the way including Teacher of the Year, and Coach of the Year three years in a row. I have a desire for my students to learn in a variety of ways while incorporating the latest technology. I am now seeking a new role in a school closer to my home."

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Question 5 of 30

When would you be available to start?

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Before your interview, make sure you have a start date in mind for the new employer. You may need to give two weeks to your previous position. If you are unemployed, perhaps you can start right away. In either situation, be prepared with an affirmative answer.

If you are currently working, you should always show professionalism by offering two weeks' notice to your current employer. No hiring manager is ever impressed when they hear 'I can quit my job today and start tomorrow!' Show that you are professional and reliable in all situations.

Example Answer

"I am currently unemployed and am willing to start as soon as needed."

Admin Example

"Could you share with me your ideal start date? I am happy to be flexible. However, I will need to give at least two weeks' notice to my current employer."

Manager Example

"I am currently looking for a career change within a 6-week turnaround timeline after an offer letter is signed. This timeline would give me enough time to smoothly transition my team and help to find and train my replacement."

Marketing Example

"I need to give my employer two weeks' notice. Due to my length of employment, it is possible that I may need to work an additional week if they were to request it of me to aid in the transition to the next content manager, but I am available immediately following. Can you clarify your timeline for me?"

Retail Example

"I would need to give my current store the courtesy of two weeks' notice, but I am available anytime after that! Looking forward to getting started!"

Sales Example

"I would need to give the customary two weeks' notice to my current company so that they could choose if they want me to stay and transition accounts or make it my last day. But, out of courtesy to them, I need to let them make that final decision."

Teacher Example

"I plan to finish out this school year so that I can offer my students a clean transition. Will this timeframe work for you?"

Community Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"As soon as possible, as I currently do not have a job."

Rachelle Enns' Professional Opinion:

Try to finish up your response with a statement of interest so that it does not sound like you will take the first gig that comes along.

Rachelle Enns' Revised Answer:

"I am available to start immediately. I am currently unemployed and eager to join the Gucci team."

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Writers for Telephone Answers and Questions

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an executive head-hunter and job search expert. Utilized by top executives from Fortune 100 & 500 companies like Fitbit, Microsoft, General Electric, Nestle, and more, she helps professionals position themselves in a competitive marketplace. Rachelle founded Renovate My Resume, a company that focuses on helping job seekers get their edge back. Renovate My Resume creates stand-out resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and professional summaries for new grads, all the way to corporate executives. Rachelle spends much of her time training career coaches, recruiters, and resume writers. She also holds interview workshops for students and interns, globally. For great tips and tricks, follow Rachelle on Instagram @_rachelle_e or @renovatemyresume.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown, is the creator of MockQuestions. He has over ten years experience creating interview questions. His website has helped over 10 million job seekers in their interview preparation.

First written on: 10/13/2016
Last modified on: 08/09/2018

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