Telephone Interview Questions

Master 30 telephone interview questions covering communication skills, etiquette, and customer interaction scenarios.

Question 2 of 30

Why did you apply for this position?

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How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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."

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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."

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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!"

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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!"

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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."

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

"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."

Christine Pasqueretta

Christine Pasqueretta is a human resource and recruitment professional with experience creating, developing, implementing, leading, and measuring HR impact initiatives.

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.

Christine Pasqueretta

Christine Pasqueretta is a human resource and recruitment professional with experience creating, developing, implementing, leading, and measuring HR impact initiatives.

"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."

Interview Coach

Jaymie

A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.

Typically responds within 24 hours.

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Anonymous 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.

Lauren's Feedback

This is a great and honest answer.

Anonymous Answer

I applied for the position because the idea of working at my alma mater makes me excited. Although I was very happy to graduate from OU, I was also sad at the same time. I have made so many memories here and have worked with faculty that genuinely want to help students. I saw firsthand the direction that this university is going, and I believe in its future.

Kevin's Feedback

Good answer. I've slightly adjusted your answer for clarity.

I applied for the position because the idea of working with my alma mater excites me. I saw firsthand the direction that this university is going. What impressed me was how faculty genuinely wants to help students. That communal vision is what inspired me to really believe in its vision and future. Although I was very happy to graduate from OU, I was also sad at the same time. So here I am, honored to compete for this opportunity,.

Anonymous Answer

I want to work for a company that has a global brand but still in a growth stage.

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a good start, but I recommend digging deeper as this answer could be applied to many different companies. What are the top reasons that are unique to this company? What truly stood out to you in the job posting when you first saw it?

Anonymous Answer

For two reasons, first, I know that technology is the future, even in the tax field. Considering this, I think that the opportunities to grow in an international company are huge. There will always be opportunities to see the expansion of the business, not only for indirect taxes. Secondly, because I am a single mom and would like to spend more time with my son in an international environment, this company has been awarded in 2016 as Working Mother Best Company. Considering this, I think that it is the best place to work.

Kevin's Feedback

Your reasons are very compelling - this is great! Your first point shows that you are immersed in the industry and where tech is taking it into the future. Your second point lets the interviewer get to know you personally, and it's perfect how you tied your personal situation into the company's accolades. Well done! I've made some adjustments to your answer to really drive your points home in a way that will appeal to your interviewer.

I am really excited about the technological innovations in the tax field. I am also interested in pursuing a position with an international company that has a lot of growth opportunities for career advancement. I am excited about the expansion and growth the company has been showing in this regard. Also, as a single, the company being awarded Working Mother Best Company in 2016 really caught my attention, especially since I’d like to spend more time with my son in an international environment. Considering this, this opportunity is at the top of my list.

Anonymous Answer

I applied for this job because I'm looking for a challenging opportunity that helps me to take more responsibilities and also learn something new and apply what I learn and I strongly believe that your organization achieves this culture and that is what encourages me to apply.

Cindy's Feedback

Good. What about the opportunity that drew you? Was it clear from your research that the position or company was a good fit for your career goals and skills? Discuss the connection in a bit more detail.

Anonymous Answer

This opportunity appeals to my passion for writing clear, accurate technical content.

Kevin's Feedback

Good! Is this opportunity distinguished from any other that you’ve come across? Why is this one better or more appealing than other technical writing positions? They’re interested in those candidates who exhibit true enthusiasm for the opportunities this position offers. They want to hire a qualified candidate who sees this position as their top pick.

I have a strong passion for writing. I especially enjoy technical writing. So, when I researched this position, I found myself feeling more and more invested in this opportunity, as it aligns with my passions and career goals in a way no other viable opportunities have. This opportunity appeals to my passion for writing clear, accurate technical content. I feel as if I would thrive here, and really contribute in a way that sets me up as a desirable candidate.

Anonymous Answer

I have shopped in many luxury brand stores and I can say I had the best overall experience as a customer in LV. This is a brand I personally really like. Your floor staff are all very friendly and patiently helped me find something I want. So your organizational culture aligns with what I'm looking for. I'm naturally passionate about fashion and customer service. And I believe my passion and customer service skills are something I can bring to the team.

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This is a strong answer. You convey your passion for the brand, fashion, and serving customers, all of which the interviewer will appreciate. You indicate that you will fit well into the culture and that you have the skills to excel. Consider mentioning the specific skills you'll bring to the table. When you say you have customer service skills, for example, does this mean that you are a strong communicator? Are you patient, compassionate, and friendly? Are you adept at identifying customer problems and resolving them? The more details you can provide, the better!

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Telephone Interview Questions

Why did you apply for this position?

30Telephone Interview Questions & Answers

1.Tell me a little bit about yourself.

2.Why did you apply for this position?

3.How many years experience do you have in your field?

4.When would you be available to start?

5.What is your long-range career objective?

6.What are the top duties in your current position?

7.Why are you looking for a new position?

8.What do you know about this position?

9.What is the most important thing you are looking for in your next company?

10.Are you actively interviewing with other companies? Are you close to offer stage with anyone?

11.Our company is looking for a team member with flexible work hours. Are you able and willing to work overtime, as needed?

12.Would your current employer be willing to provide a reference for you?

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?

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

15.What would you change about your current role, if you could?

16.You have a few gaps in your resume. Can you explain these?

17.Tell me more about your post-secondary education. Are you interested in expanding your education, or gaining any other certifications?

18.After reviewing our job description, are there any required skills listed that you feel you are lacking?

19.How do you feel this position would fit in with your long term career goals?

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?

21.Where did you find our job posting?

22.We are quickly moving into second interviews. What is your availability like over the next few days?

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

24.What challenges are you looking for in a position?

25.Are you willing to travel?

26.Describe a typical work day in your current role.

27.Tell me one thing about yourself that is not on your resume.

28.When was the last time you helped out a coworker?

29.How does this position fit your long-term career plans?

30.What type of manager do you best work with?