There are many reasons employers may prefer a phone interview.
Usually, they are just too busy and don’t want to waste their time on first interviews.
It takes about 30-40 hours (a whole work week) to interview ten candidates.
The phone interview is also a very efficient screening tool. By asking 10-12 phone interview questions, an interviewer can quickly decide if this person is right for a face-to-face interview.
Phone interviews are also very easy to end. If after 20 minutes the interviewer decides you are not right for the position, she can end it right there.
On this page, you’ll find many phone interview questions and answers that will help you get a face to face interview.
There are many reasons why you may prefer a phone interview, too. Remember, you are interviewing the company to make sure this job is right for you. You can ask pre-qualifying questions about salary or travel requirements without wasting your time with a “full” interview.
A phone interview should make you feel more at ease, especially if you interview from home, but remember there are more distractions at home. Your ultimate goal is to impress the interviewer and work towards a face-to-face interview
Congratulations! You’ve been offered a phone interview – this is your first chance to impress your interviewer. Knowing how to answer telephone interview questions is very important in moving towards the next step of an in-person interview.
Being prepared for a phone interview is just as important as an on-site interview.
Carefully schedule your phone interview. Try to schedule your phone interview when you can be at home with the fewest distractions. If you are currently working, don’t schedule your phone interview while you’re “on the clock” – you can make arrangements for a time before or after work, or even at lunch. Your interviewer will notice your integrity and loyalty to your current employer.
Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the company from their web site and other sources. A phone interview can be just as in-depth as any other interview. Researching the company ahead of time will impress your interviewer. It will show that you are sincerely interested in the job and the company.
The Day Before The day before your phone interview is an important day to prepare. This is your last chance to be completely prepared for your interview. Don’t let your interviewer think that this phone call is not as meaningful to you as if it were a face-to-face interview.
Follow many of the same steps you would for an on-site interview, but you have some extra challenges with a phone interview. Here are some important things to arrange for a phone interview:
Make a Portfolio
Keep a copy of your resume and references at hand.
Write down your interviewer’s name and phone number.
Set out a notebook to take notes during the interview and a pen that writes.
Have a list of phone interview questions you want to ask the interviewer.
Make a list of your strengths and jot down a couple success stories (in short hand to jog your memory) to have ready during the phone interview.
Print a copy of the job description and keep it in front of you during the telephone interview.
Review and practice all your success stories, whether they are work stories or academic achievements, a good story is much more interesting than a bullet-point list of job skills.
Make sure your answers are clear and succinct. You should practice answering interview questions with a friend or family members.
When practicing, avoid terms such as “like” and “you know” and don’t sound too rehearsed, as though you have memorized each answer.
Telephone interview questions you can expect to be asked:
- Tell me about yourself?
- Why are you interested in working here?
- Where are you working now?
- If not, what are you doing?
- What is your salary range Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What is your most significant accomplishment?
- What do you know about our company?
- What do you know about this position?
- Are you willing to travel? How soon can you be available to start?
- When would you be able to come in for an interview?
- So you have any questions for us?
The Complete Interview Answer Guide will get you prepared with telephone interview questions and answers. Inside the guide, you’ll find an entire section dedicated to phone interview preparation.
More styles of Interview Questions:
HR Interview Questions
Interview Questions and Answers
Management Interview Questions
Top 10 Interview Questions
Interview Techniques
Interview Questions
Interview Answers
Interview Tips
How to Interview
Behavioral Interviewing
Interview Preparation
Watch Don give you the skinny on Tell Me About Yourself YouTube on his YouTube Channel.