Top 25 Telephone Interview Questions and Answers

Table of Contents

Introduction:

During a job search, you may encounter phone interviews. These are also called phone screenings. Recruiters often use those screening calls. It is done to narrow the application pool to the top candidates.

At first, you need to make a good impression. It is an important step toward securing the job. Then, you need to face some telephone interview questions. While interviewing by phone, it is important to be thoughtful about your tone.

Advantages Of Telephonic Interview:

1. Less anxiety- In face-to-face interviews, the quiet atmosphere may make you anxious. However, in phone interviews, it is easy to face and answer the hiring manager.

2. Beyond geographical boundaries- If you have a job interview outside the state, traveling is not always easy. So, most of you rely on phone interviews. And answering on the telephone is easier.

Telephone Interview Questions And Answers:

1. Tell me about yourself.

Ans- (Recruiters will likely start asking questions about your background. This is a simple way to learn about you. Eventually they will ask telephone interview questions.)

Currently, I work as an academic advisor at Sunshine University. There, I support a student body of three thousand students. My responsibilities include making course schedules. Before this job, I studied education at Henry Harvin.

2. Describe yourself.

Ans- (Here you can talk about the skills and qualities you have. You also need to tell why you are fit for this job. This is an initial question before the recruiters go into telephone interview questions.)

I am results-oriented. Constantly check in with the goal. it is because to determine how close or how far away I am. I find this pressure inspiring. I helped my team shorten our average product time.

3. Tell me about your current/previous position.

Ans- (convey your current responsibilities. Also, tell how they relate to the role you are applying for. Focus on the impact of what you do for the company’s goal.)

My current role involves editing and assigning blog posts. I also create a content calendar for the company. My work also includes coordinating with email marketing. I have helped to increase page views on the blog. I think my project management skills are perfect for this role.

4. What do you know about our company?

Ans- (This answer shows the recruiter about your interest in the company. This is one of the most important telephone interview questions.)

Your company focuses on sustainability which matches with me. I am also excited about the company’s expansion into new markets.

5. Why are you the best candidate for this role?

Ans- (Link your experience to the job description. List the ways why you benefited from the company. Highlight achievements from your current or previous roles.)

I am the best candidate for this position. Having experience building a brand’s social media presence from scratch. I can also use my content marketing skills to improve website search ranking.

6. Why are you applying for this position?

Ans- (Use details listed in the job description that made you want to apply for this position. This answer tells whether you are serious about this job.)

I have been working for several years on gaining skills in your industry. I feel I have the required qualifications and experience for this job. So, your company is a perfect place for me to fulfill my dreams.

7. Why do you want this job?

Ans- (recruiters may ask this telephone interview question to understand your current work situation.)

I enjoyed my previous position. As those were aligned with what is there in the job description. Now I want to move to a new role. Roles that mainly focus on my talents. I want to continue to grow as a PR professional.

8. Tell me what you know about the role.

Ans- (Employers may ask this question to get a starting line. This answer also tells whether you have taken time to carefully read the job description.)

From the job description, I understand that you are looking for a bookkeeper. Which in turn will provide support for the department’s financial activities. I also understand that you require HIPAA training. For this, I am certified.

9. Why do you want to work here?

Ans- (The interviewer may ask this telephone interview question. This answer helps them understand why you want to work at the company. To answer this question, you need to research the company thoroughly.)

I have built my career as managing hospitality staff. Now my goal is to work in a hotel where there will be an affordable experience for guests. Your company maintains quality service and experience. And I am looking forward to working with you because of this.

10. Why are you looking forward to this job?

Ans- (Employers ask this to see if there are any red flags about your employment situation. If you are looking for a new job, explain why. You should answer based on your career rather than personal.)

I am looking for opportunities to start my career as a project coordinator. Previously, I worked as an executive assistant. It gave me experience in managing schedules. So, I am ready to take the next step in my career.

11. What are you passionate about?

Ans- (This telephone interview question is asked to know about your passion. This helps the employers know if you are fit enough.)

I am driven every day to create beautiful experiences for users. There is so much helpful digital information on the web. Designing it in a way that is easy for people is my aim. This makes me feel like I am truly making a difference.

12. What are your salary expectations?

Ans- (Recruiters may ask this telephone interview question. It is to see if your salary expectation aligns with the role.)

For this position, my ideal salary falls in the range of around sixty thousand. I feel that is my appropriate amount considering my experience level.

13. Are you interviewing with other companies?

Ans- (you might be asked where you are in the hiring process with other companies. This can be useful for the recruiters to understand how quickly they should move you through the process.)

While I feel this role is a better fit for what I am looking for. I am in discussions with three other companies.

14. When can you start?

Ans- (Employers may need this answer to understand when you would be able to start in a new role. They might be looking to fill the position quickly. So if you cannot start now then they might hire someone else.)

After getting an offer, I can start in two weeks. Please give me time for my current role to be filled.

15. What kind of management style do you prefer?

Ans- (Employers may ask telephone interview questions to test your ideal management style. They ask this to see whether you would fit well with the supervisor. As the supervisor will manage you.)

I have found that the management style I am looking for is trusting and involved. Enjoying quality one-on-one time regularly is my aim. I also like brainstorming ideas for projects I am working on. I aim to better my role.

16. What is your greatest achievement?

Ans- (Many candidates may feel they are arrogant. But the hiring manager wants to see what result you can deliver. A great way to respond to this question is by describing one of your accomplishments. You can start by telling about a challenge you faced and overcame it.)

My greatest achievement was when I successfully launched a project. This project I did for my previous company. The project was a complex undertaking. It involved coordinating multiple teams. I had tight deadlines. But still, I was able to get the job in time.

17. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Ans- (Interviewers ask this to get an idea about your career goals. When answering this stay focused. The focus should be on why are interested in this position. Be honest. Talk about your short-term and long-term goals related to your role.)

I am looking to take on greater responsibilities. Thus, helping the company to grow. I want to be promoted to the district manager position. I want to grow in the next two years. Then focus on becoming a regional manager.

18. Why did you leave your last job?

Ans- (This answer needs diplomacy and tact. Focus on the most positive aspects of your last job. Tell what excites you about the new role.)

I left my last job because I was looking for a company with flexible timing. I worked as a nurse but the long shifts made it difficult for me.

19. Tell me about a time you failed.

Ans- (This telephone interview question is difficult to answer. It is because you do not want to answer in a way that will hurt your chances. The best way to answer this question is to be honest. Maybe you were not at your best previously. But make sure you will give your best in the new position.)

I consider myself a hard worker. I had an instance where I could not meet the deadline. It was due to poor time management. I underestimated the time it would take to complete the project. I had to reschedule to accommodate everyone’s availability.

20. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Ans- (While answering this telephone interview question, you must focus on your strengths more. Pick some strengths related to your position. When talking about your weaknesses, focus on general skills. Skills that do not directly impact your ability to do your job.)

I am efficient and reliable. plan each day of the week. I have submitted reports constantly following the deadline. My manager trusts me. These are my strengths. I can think of one weakness that I have. I tend to assign tasks to team members. This has sometimes led to stress with other coworkers.

21. How would you describe your work style?

Ans- (Take this opportunity to explain how you approach tasks. Remember that an interview is a two-way street. The company’s management style must be a good fit for you.)

I am a highly driven individual who likes to be constantly moving. Always have several tasks going simultaneously. I am a multi-tasker. I will usually get the job done well ahead of the schedule.

22. How do you handle stress and pressure?

Ans- (You will face this question if you apply for a fast-paced work environment. Hiring managers ask this question to know if you are easily overwhelmed or cool.)

I handle stress by always staying organized. Focus on my deadline. Avoid procrastination. It helps me to submit my work on time. I avoid stress by walking in the fresh air. I push myself to focus when things are tough around me.

23. How do you stay organized?

Ans- (This telephone interview question is very crucial. This answer helps in knowing about managing your tasks. Such questions will assist them in analyzing your managerial skills.)

I make use of a digital planner that helps me to stay organized. When I start my work in the morning, I look through my planners. Eventually, I make necessary updates for the whole day. This helps me stay organized and meet deadlines.

24. What significant challenges did you face?

Ans- (After answering this question, recruiters will understand how you will handle the pressure. With this, they want to assess your problem-solving skills. They can analyze the growth and how you face it.)

When I joined as the project manager, I faced challenges. To address this issue, I took note of the work of each member. Also, I seek help from other departments. This has taught me about flexibility.

25. Who was your best and worst boss?

Ans- (This telephone interview question is asked to know about the kind of leadership you love. Answering this question helps the recruiter understand your interest in comprehending skills. They want to ensure that you will work efficiently with your future managers.)

My best boss was very helpful. She always allowed her employees to talk privately about any issue. Luckily, I never had any terrible boss. But sometimes, I find it challenging when managers want to control everything I do.

Conclusion:

A telephone interview is one of the most common ways to evaluate a candidate. Cracking an interview may sound difficult but with proper preparation everything is possible. Telephone interviews allow employers to assess candidates remotely. Preparation is a key to success in telephone interviews. Clear communication and a professional tone are crucial. Active listening helps in understanding and responding effectively. Candidates should provide concise yet informative answers. Enthusiasm for the position and company leaves a positive impression.

FAQs:

Q.1 What questions are asked in a telephone interview?

Ans. The interview questions will vary depending on the company. But some general questions are- tell me about yourself, tell me about your salary expectations, etc.

Q.2 How do you answer a telephonic interview?

Ans. To answer this you need to answer with your name. This is because the interviewer will know whom they are talking to.

Q.3 How do you pass a phone interview?

Ans. To pass in a phone interview you need to be polite and patient. Tell the interviewer if the line is bad or you cannot connect. At last, remember to sound interested.

4. What is a phone call interview?

Ans. In most of the cases, It is a pre-interview step. It is often the first step you need to accomplish to go to the second round. However, in some cases, the phone interview itself is the first and last process.