Telephone Interview Questions

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

Question 12 of 30

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

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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.

"Certainly! When we get to that point in the interview process, I will be delighted to have you reach out to my professional references."

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 some references, but I would not be comfortable with you contacting my current boss, seeing as they do not know I am looking for a new position. My previous manager has since left the company, and I would be happy to provide his information, as well as some other helpful references."

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.

"This is so tricky, seeing as my current employer would be the absolute best reference for me, but I cannot yet let them know I am leaving. That said, I have many managers who have left the company who would happily provide a reference. Upon an offer, I would happily provide my current manager and store manager as references to my quality of work and character."

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 will be happy to provide you with any references you'd like and of course, can connect you with my current manager once I have a job offer in hand, contingent on references. Until that point, I'd prefer they don't know that I'm looking. I have some clients with whom I worked as a freelancer, so I'm happy to connect you with them at any point."

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.

"My current Principal encouraged me to apply to your school once he knew that my family was looking to relocate I have brought a letter of reference from him. In the letter, he encourages a phone call from you should you have further questions."

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.

"My director is aware that I am seeking a new role due to the recent company acquisition. I will include a few references to you via email which you are more than welcome to contact."

Christine Pasqueretta

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

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.

Christine Pasqueretta

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

"I am happy to provide you with a reference from my previous supervisor. Should the offer stage be reached, my current employer will be a reference. In the meantime, if you wish, I can provide you with a current client or character reference."

Anonymous Answer

I am happy to provide you with a reference from my previous employer. Should you need this information, please do not hesitate to ask.

Alexandra's Feedback

Good answer.

Anonymous Answer

Yes, my last employer will be willing to provide a reference.

Rachelle's Feedback

Good start! What do you believe this employer would say about you? It's important to elaborate in an interview rather than force the interviewer to carry the conversation. I have provided an example below.

"Yes, my last employer will be willing to provide a reference. I was a loyal and dedicated employee, and I believe they will have very positive things to say about my contribution."

Anonymous Answer

That is a good question. I am not sure if management would since they would not want to see me go, and I am not sure if they are even allowed to do that. However, I can tell you that I have a couple of excellent references from some coworkers I can provide. I also have two references linked in from a previous supplier and one from a coworker.

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer is honest and very fair - a lot of management teams are not allowed to offer references. It's great that you have other sources for positive references.

Anonymous Answer

I'm not sure it's allowed or not in the current company, but I have another option of my coworkers and managers from my previous jobs that you can consider excellent reference.

Cindy's Feedback

Ok, good. If you can't answer with a definitive yes, being able to offer an alternative is important.

Anonymous Answer

My most recent employer has recommended me on my LinkedIn profile.

Cindy's Feedback

Great! Can you expand on your professional relationship? Are you still in touch? Did you leave on good terms?

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Telephone Interview Questions

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

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?