List of 30 Phone Interview Questions & Answers
1.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
How to Answer
Many interviewers will start off with this question, which could throw you off a bit. You've done all of this research on the company but have you prepared to talk about yourself?
The interviewer is looking for relevant information about the position for which you applied. Respond by mentioning your education, how many years of experience you have in your field, and be sure to give some details about your most current position. Conclude your response with a statement about what you are looking for in a role at this time.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have a B.A. in Communications and Journalism from the University of Michigan. I have three years of experience in Marketing and Communications. My most recent position was with Amazon as a Marketing Coordinator, and I'm currently looking for a position that will allow me to grow into a leadership opportunity."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
Admin
"With pleasure! I have over ten years of experience in the professional services industry and am interested in growing my career to the next level, and become an executive assistant. On a more personal note, I love to read, go hiking and spend a lot of my extra time volunteering with the humane society."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
Manager
"I am a calm and quiet leader, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Even though I am quiet, I can motivate my team and keep morale high. I was recently awarded 'Most Productive Manager' in my organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing
"I graduated with a B.A. in Economics and started my career in sales. After a successful three years, I decided to begin making the moves to the marketing side. Freelancing on the side to shore up my creative skill set prepared me for the leap to my first marketing position as an inbound marketing coordinator. I am still with the same organization, but now as a content manager. I help build out the marketing calendar and execute its items from blog posts to social media to email marketing efforts. In my next role, ideally with your company, I am looking to achieve the next step towards a director position."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"I started my career in retail very young. My first job at sixteen was as a sales associate at a large department store, and I have stuck to retail ever since. After high school, I achieved my associate's degree in fashion merchandising and continued to a four-year university where I obtained my B.A. in communications. Since then, I have held various leadership and management positions in both small boutiques and large department stores. I am currently looking to take my experience and career to the next level by pursuing this position as the department manager in your highest volume department."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"I started my sales career in a large corporate setting, and there I received a promotion within only a few months. I decided that I wanted to stretch my wings and made the leap to a startup. There, I earned the fastest promotion in company history and followed that up with the fastest deal to close after promotion. I have had continued success here and am in my preferred sales territory. However, I feel that I may have outgrown the position and right now, there isn't an opportunity for a managerial position here, so I'm looking at outside opportunities, such as this one."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
Teacher
"I am super excited and passionate about my job, the language, my students, and continual learning. I feel so privileged to have a job that I leap out of bed for every morning. I am a mom of boys, and I am a fitness enthusiast: as their soccer coach, the high school soccer coach for freshman girls, and a runner in my spare time."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Community Answer
"Animals and music are my passion. I grew up with dogs and cats and horses on a small farm outside NYC. I am friendly, driven, and have a good sense of humor. I love volunteering at animal shelters and nursing homes for the older generation of people. I have an incredibly strong work ethic, as well. I have a dog and a cat whom I love dearly and make my days fully wonderful."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds as though you live a happy, fulfilling life! When it comes to your love of animals and your compassion for others, be sure to tie this into your future success in the role in question.
2.
Why did you apply for this position?
How to Answer
Now is the time for you to express your enthusiasm for the company, and the position to which you applied! Express your passion for your field of study or talk about how this role will provide you with the career growth you have been seeking. Be sure to compliment the company and give a strong reason why you want to work for them.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I applied for this position because I am seeking a more challenging opportunity in my field. Your job posting was especially exciting to me because your organization is well known for its unmatched level of professionalism and growth opportunities. I would be thrilled to work for your company."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
Admin
"Your organization is a leading player in the e-commerce space. I am an advocate of your platform and frequent shopper of your products. I think I can add a lot of value to this role and am excited to learn more about this online customer support opportunity."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Manager
"I want to work for a small company with a family-like feel, just like yours. I have always worked in large organizations where I am a number, not an individual. This 'corporate giant' type of environment made it difficult for me to flourish as a manager and a leader. I appreciate the workplace culture you have cultivated."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing
"I have been a client of yours for several years now and targeted your company as a top prospect for which I hoped to work, over a year ago. As soon as this position came up, I knew it was right for me. I was excited to write my cover letter to you and hit send on my application!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"I have shopped here since I was a little girl. My grandma used to take me here, and it's where I bought my grad dress! To come full circle and work here in the very same department all these years later would be not only exciting for me, but very special. Your store means something to me personally, and I would do everything in my power to make it successful and continue to make special memories for others!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"I have been looking for a high-growth startup for quite a while, and your company is what I've been seeking in a work environment. You value your people and have an awesome culture centered around achievement, growth, and accountability. You are disrupting an industry that needs some shaking up, and you have science that is allowing that disruption. The energy in here is contagious, which only make me even more excited about the opportunity."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Teacher
"Your district is one of the top rated in the state, is considered a thought-leader in the educational community, and it is the district that I grew up attending. So, it's not only full-circle for me in setting, but also the place where I decided I wanted to become a teacher, so this is an extraordinary opportunity. I have always said I wanted to come back to teach in District ###, so this would be so exciting for me on both a professional and personal level."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Community Answer
"I was delighted to see this opportunity with Qatar Airways. I have been looking for an overseas company where I can meet new people. This is an excellent opportunity that I sincerely hope I am considered for."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Lauren McCabe Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a great and honest answer.
3.
How many years experience do you have in your field?
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to quickly gauge if you are qualified for this role, or not. If they have called you, chances are - you have something on your resume that they like. Most job postings will specify the number of years of experience that the employer is looking for but it's often a flexible number.
Let's say the interviewer is looking for five years experience in a specific field or skill, and you have 15 years. Avoid being labeled as overqualified by saying: "I have more than five years' experience in your direct field. My most recent position was similar to this role, and I was a top performer for the entire seven years of my employment there. I am eager to continue my path of success with your company."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have more than five years' experience in your direct field. My most recent position was similar to this role, and I was a top performer for the entire seven years of my employment there. I am eager to continue my path of success with your company."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
Admin
"I have been working in an administrative position for approximately four years. I also spent a great deal of time helping my dad with his bookkeeping business as a teen. I was exposed to organizing files, making appointments, and double checking the details of his work before he passed it back to his clients."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Manager
"I have over ten years of experience in my field, with seven years in your specific industry. Although I have a lot of experience I am always learning new management techniques to that, I can better myself and improve the productivity of my team."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing
"I have six years of marketing experience, from freelance to inbound marketing coordinator, and now as a content manager. Before that, I worked in sales for a CPG company, so I understand the business from varying perspectives. I look forward to continuing to learn about how your organization operates."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"I have been in the sales field since I was in high school, so for half of my life. I have worked my way up through the ranks from a part-time sales associate in various departments to assistant manager, to department manager. I know that I have learned much of what I need to succeed in this role and I look forward to exceeding your expectations as I gain even more knowledge."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"I have three years of sales experience in a traditional setting, and have been selling in some capacity since high school in a retail environment, and as a bartender while putting myself through University."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Teacher
"I understand that you are looking for a teacher newer to their career. Although I have eight years' experience as a teacher, you will find that I am very open to learning new classroom techniques. I am a huge proponent of continued learning and pivoting my teaching style based on the needs of each classroom."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Community Answer
"I have over seven years of experience. Although I have a lot of experience, I am willing to learn new opportunities."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Rather than finishing your answer with a willingness to learn, try focusing on the expertise that you have already gained in these 7 years. How will you add to the employer vs. take from their resources? I have offered a starter, below.
"I have seven years of experience in the field of (name your industry). Through these seven years, I have gained strong skills in (list your areas of expertise). I am eager to take this experience and knowledge and apply it to this role by (what action steps will you take to make a difference for the hiring company?)."
4.
When would you be available to start?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
5.
What is your long-range career objective?
How to Answer
Onboarding new employees is a time consuming and costly endeavor, so the interviewer wants to make sure that this role will be a long-term fit for you. Be open to the interviewer about your dreams within this company, on a long-term basis. Share what promotions you hope to eventually receive and discuss what you wish to learn from being a part of their organization. The key to answering this question is to express to the interviewer that you plan to stay with the company for many years to come.
Written by Rachelle Enns
6.
What are the top duties in your current position?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
7.
Why are you looking for a new position?
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks you this, make sure you always keep your answer positive. If you are leaving your position because you don't like your boss, be sure to phrase it more eloquently. If you aren't sure how to reply, remember - it's always a safe bet to focus your answer on career growth and exciting opportunities.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
8.
What do you know about this position?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
9.
What is the most important thing you are looking for in your next company?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to make sure they can offer what you are looking for in your next position. Discuss with the interviewer the things you are missing in your current role. You can also talk about what aspects of this particular company excite you.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
10.
Are you actively interviewing with other companies? Are you close to offer stage with anyone?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to gauge better if their hiring timeline fits with your current schedule. Your answer will determine if they continue to engage with you, based on their timing and needs.
If you are actively interviewing: "Yes, I am very active in my search and have had multiple invitations to interview. Currently, I am in the second interview stage with one company and third interview stage with another."
If you are not interviewing with other companies: "I just started my search, so I am not in final interviews with any other company. I am aggressively seeking, however."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
11.
Our company is looking for a team member with flexible work hours. Are you able and willing to work overtime, as needed?
How to Answer
Before answering scheduling questions, it's important to be clear on the interviewer's expectations. If you haven't had a chance to clarify their scheduling needs, now would be the perfect time to ask! Consider asking, 'What are the scheduling expectations for this position?' If they expect you to work 12 hour days, it would be important for you to know that before you respond with, 'Absolutely! No problem!' You want to be sure that you can meet their expectations.
If it turns out their schedule expectations won't work for you, think about what you CAN offer and see if you can meet in the middle. It's much better to discuss these things in an interview than for you to commit to a schedule that won't work for you.
Written by Rachelle Enns
12.
Would your current employer be willing to provide a reference for you?
How to Answer
Before your interview, make sure you have your references prepared just in case the interviewer requests them. If you don't feel comfortable using your current employer as a reference, explain that you have other references better suited at this time. Those can be past supervisors.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
13.
I'm interested in knowing more about the type of work you are seeking, and your ideal workplace culture. What is your ideal position at this time?
How to Answer
The type of culture you are looking for will vary based on your field and personality. However, every candidate is looking for a positive work environment and growth opportunities, so be sure to stress these aspects in your response. In regards to the position, think of three traits that get you excited about your ideal job. What work elements evoke happiness? Be sure to demonstrate to the interviewer how excited you are about this position.
Written by Rachelle Enns
14.
Briefly walk me through your work history. Please include why you left each position listed on your resume.
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
15.
What would you change about your current role, if you could?
How to Answer
Be sure when you respond to this question that you do not want to change aspects of your current position that are also the primary duties in the role for which you are applying. If you do this, the employer might think you are not that interested in the position and its functions. Keep your answer brief and avoid any negativity!
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
16.
You have a few gaps in your resume. Can you explain these?
How to Answer
When responding to this question, make sure you answer honestly about your gaps of employment, whether your discrepancies are due to staying home with the kids, an illness, taking care of an ailing parent, or taking some time off to think about a career change.
Written by Rachelle Enns
17.
Tell me more about your post-secondary education. Are you interested in expanding your education, or gaining any other certifications?
How to Answer
Employers want to know if you are willing to grow with their company by investing in your industry related knowledge. Depending on the position description, relate your desire to gain additional education or certifications to the position for which you are applying.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
18.
After reviewing our job description, are there any required skills listed that you feel you are lacking?
How to Answer
This question can be tough to navigate! As a potential candidate, it can be challenging to show weakness for fear the company will lose interest. When you answer this question about a skill that you feel you are lacking, explain how you plan to become stronger in that skill.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
19.
How do you feel this position would fit in with your long term career goals?
How to Answer
Before applying for any position, it's best to have an idea of your long-term career goals, and a great sense of the potential growth the hiring company offers. This way, you can highlight for the interviewer all of the great reasons why this position will fit into your long-term goals!
Maybe you hope to be in a management position with them down the road! Whatever your reasons, be sure to provide a response that allows the interviewer to see your desire to stay with them long term.
Written by Rachelle Enns
20.
All of our candidates must pass a criminal record check and education verification. Is there any reason why you would not be comfortable with this?
How to Answer
Background checks are widespread in many industries. If you are keen for the position, you much comply fully with their onboarding process. Show that you are cooperative. If there are any marks in your history, this is the exact time to disclose them.
Written by Rachelle Enns
21.
Where did you find our job posting?
How to Answer
The employer would like to know what methods and resources you are using in your job search so they can determine which of their advertising methods is working best. You can expand your answer to include any other exposure you have had to the company.
Written by Rachelle Enns
22.
We are quickly moving into second interviews. What is your availability like over the next few days?
How to Answer
This question means excellent news! If the interviewer is asking for your availability over the next few days, chances are you are moving to the next round. Try to be as flexible as possible with your availability. Finish your answer by asking for the interview!
Written by Rachelle Enns
23.
Tell me one valuable skill that you are currently working on.
How to Answer
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!
Written by Rachelle Enns
24.
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that the challenges you look for in a position are ones that will push you to grow in your career. Interviewers want to see that you are never complacent and that you like to set goals for yourself. Also, if you have read the job posting, you should address the challenges present in this role and how they align with what you are seeking.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
25.
Are you willing to travel?
How to Answer
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but you do need to be honest. If the interviewer is asking for travel in this role you should clarify just how much, and what type of travel, will be required of you. Keep your answer brief and ask as many questions as you need until you fully understand the travel requirements.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
26.
Describe a typical work day in your current role.
How to Answer
When you walk the interviewer through a typical workday, you are allowing them to visualize you in their position. From your answer, the interviewer will also be able to gauge if your activities match the seniority level of this position. If they are calling you for a junior role, for instance, and you let them know that you currently manage a team of 20 people, they will likely conclude that you are overqualified for the position. If you have a job description in front of you, do your best to match the list of role responsibilities with the day-to-day activities in your current, or most recent, position. Keep your answer as brief as possible. With open-ended questions like this one, it is easy to begin rambling.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
27.
Tell me one thing about yourself that is not on your resume.
How to Answer
This question is another open-ended one where it can be easy to ramble on and on. Avoid this by preparing a couple of statements regarding what makes you a stand-out candidate, but may not be on your resume. For instance, you may want to mention some current volunteer work, an exciting hobby, your favorite books on business or leadership, a pipe-dream that you have (career-related) or even additional languages that you speak. However, you choose to reply, ensure that it remains on track with a career conversation.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
28.
When was the last time you helped out a coworker?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see how far back you need to reach, to answer this question. Are you a highly collaborative person, or do you spend most of your day with your head buried in your work and not looking for opportunities to be a team player? Big or small, quickly think of a time when you assisted someone else, helping them to be successful in their role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
29.
How does this position fit your long-term career plans?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that this position would not be a temporary fix but a longer-term career move. Employers do not expect you to stay with them forever, but they do like to hear there is at least a 5-year plan where you can see yourself growing. Do not offer a timeframe but offer up information as to why this may be a long-term fit.
Here are some factors that could determine a long-term fit:
- Unbeatable workplace culture and a positive environment
- Continual challenges and opportunities to learn
- Cross-departmental training and opportunities to diversify your role
- A team environment that feels like family
- Competitive compensation packages including health benefits and vacation days
- Strong career trajectory and history of promotion among top performers
- Genuine and integrity-driven leadership, ownership, or c-suite
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018
30.
What type of manager do you best work with?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like assurance that you are going to get along well with the manager whom you would be reporting to in this role. There are many different management styles, and perhaps you do well with a variety of them. Tell the interviewer about your favorite manager in the past, and why you worked so well together. You should also ask the interviewer in return if they can describe the working style of the person to whom you would be reporting.
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 9th, 2018