Phone interviews have become a popular way for employers to get to know candidates without actually having to meet them face-to-face. It can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But with the right preparation and practice, you can make sure you’re ready for anything. The interviewer can’t see you, so you don’t have the benefit of body language, facial expressions, and other body language cues. As a result, it’s important to be prepared and to know the best answers to the most common phone interview questions.
We at founderactivity have rounded up the top 20 phone interview questions and provided answers that will help you get the most out of your next phone interview.
How to Prepare for a Phone Interview?
Phone Interview Questions
1. What are your strongest points?
The employer wants to know what abilities you can offer to the organization. Focus on your finest abilities and achievements, and make sure that they are relevant to the firm.
Sample Answers :- My ability to work with people is my biggest asset. I can maintain high standards of confidentiality, which contributes to some of that.
- Here, the candidate claims that “people skills” are her area of strength.
- She continues by citing another qualification from the job description. Two birds, one strength.
We worked with several significant corporate clients at my previous employer. My boss asked me to make travel arrangements for a big industry event.
- She presents a situation to illustrate her point. She then makes mention of the work she did for big businesses.
- She observed that the job description stipulates corporate environment experience. So when asked, “What are your strengths,” she makes a point to mention her experience.
As part of the task, I had to get to know other administrative assistants. I also had access to confidential data.
- The two personal strengths mentioned at the outset are referenced in the task.
Both internal and external executives gave me their trust. They were informed that I was the best person for their assistants to contact. They complimented me on my discretion and superb written communication abilities. They also noted my familiarity with the Internet. I reserved the best offers without sacrificing quality.
- Here, the candidate makes use of extra skills. If several of the job description’s skills apply, don’t be hesitant to mention them.
- You are not required to recall everything. With practice, you’ll be able to incorporate new skills into a conversation as it naturally unfolds.
2. What is your greatest flaw?
Unlike the strength question, the interviewer is more interested in how you respond than what you answer. Use responses that demonstrate that you are self-aware and willing to improve.
Sample Answers :- My inability to sit still and concentrate for long stretches of time is one of my biggest weaknesses. I never enjoyed reading. Sports and practical activities have always been my favorites. I gave myself study objectives so that I could make sure I finished school with good grades. For thirty minutes, I would remain still and concentrate on the test materials. I would then reward myself with a break to run around or interact with others. I learned discipline and focus from the system. I received honors when I left high school. I currently have an athletic scholarship to college.
- She doesn’t try to pass off her flaws as strengths, to start. She does, however, continuously highlight her advantages. It’s absolutely acceptable to discuss your strengths in your what are your weaknesses response.
- She is, for instance, obedient and capable of learning new things. She then demonstrates what she did to deal with her weakness.
- She devised a study plan. Her success is a result of these actions. She received a scholarship thanks to her stellar grades.
3. Why Should We Hire You?
This one can be tricky, whether or not it’s asked during a phone interview. However, if you plan, it may turn into a fantastic opportunity to execute a flawless elevator pitch. Summarize your main arguments, and don’t be afraid to market yourself by being extremely humble.
Sample Answers :- Wow, where do I even start? I’ve always loved to travel, ever since I can remember. Your airline would be my first choice once I was an adult and could book flights on my own. Long-distance travel has always been made enjoyable by Alpha Airlines, and I would be honored to say that I work for you. In addition, I think my capacity for patience and multitasking is unmatched, and these qualities would make me the best flight attendant possible.
This answer shows zeal, modest flattery, company interest, and relevance.
4. Why did you leave your previous job?
This is one of the most common phone interview questions, and it may be tough, especially if you didn’t leave your previous company on the greatest of terms. Don’t mention anything that may cause the new firm to wonder if the identical scenario will reoccur.
Sample Answers :- I resigned from my previous position due to layoffs. When XYZ Company merged with a bigger company, I had been employed there for less than a year. As I had a more senior counterpart at the parent company after the merger, I was made redundant. I gained experience creating quick videos for marketing while I was employed by XYZ. I received training on how to operate recording and video editing software. I became aware of how much I delight in such work. I’ve applied for the video marketing position with your company because of this.
- The candidate speaks in an objective manner without blaming the business. She also avoids getting into graphic details about how she was chosen to be fired.
- Additionally, the candidate highlighted her set of pertinent skills.
The startup I worked for didn’t experience the kind of growth they had hoped for in the first 12 months. To try to identify the issue, the owner hired project managers for IT and Content. The front end design of our website, according to the IT project manager, is the issue. The PM suggested that the owner start fresh rather than altering the design. My second job was it. I had previously worked for a corporation but wanted to try my hand at a startup.I’ve discovered that the startup environment is quick-paced and constantly changing. MySpace and MSN Chat can make you fashionable one day. and took the place of Facebook. The most crucial thing is to maintain your agility. My next job was secured thanks to the very same design work!
- As you can see, the candidate responds in a courteous, encouraging manner. Then she explains what she took away from the encounter.
5. Tell Me a Little About You
This common phone interview query is more specific than it appears. Don’t discuss your birthplace, preferred sport, or other personal details. Instead, they would prefer a response that is pertinent to them, much like how you customized your resume for the particular job.
Sample Answers :- Making reliable software solutions is something I really enjoy. For three years, I oversaw a group of 10 software engineers at Xyzzy Solutions. Winning the 2018 Bossie award was one of our proudest achievements. Prior to that, I spent two years working at SurgeWallop as a software engineer. By getting complete employee buy-in for our Principle of Least Privilege drive, I reduced security breaches by 70%. Although it’s been a great run, I can’t wait to get started with a top-notch DevOps team like the one at Brass LAMP Dev.
6. Why do you want to Work Here?
Avoid using phrases like “because I need work.” Express your enthusiasm for the company because the interviewer is genuinely looking for compliments. Be sure to express how eager you are to be hired by that company.
Sample Answers :- Since I was young, I’ve been interested in fashion, and for a long time, my favorite accessories have come from ABC. They piqued my curiosity about thoughtful design and premium fabrics. In fact, I’ve been able to convert five of my friends into your devoted clients. Although I have prior retail experience, it was more my firm belief in the superior quality and classic design of your products that made your offer for a retail assistant resonate with me. And I would just adore contributing to our success.
- The applicant demonstrates her understanding of the company.
- She emphasizes how well she is aware of the goals and products of the company.
- She demonstrates how her passion motivates her and accords with the principles of the business.
7. Describe the duties you currently perform at work.
Make a list of the most important tasks and talk about them. The key is relevancy. Since not everything you did will be important to them, don’t tell them everything you did.
An example of how to describe your current employer:- The company I work for now is a mid-range retail chain that is a common sight in shopping centers. This indicates that we have a strong brand name and experience high foot traffic. That implies that most of the clients are unwilling to accept assistance. Either they are shopping or they already know what they want.
Example of a transition into your current role’s description:- Pushing newcomers is one of my responsibilities as a sales associate in my current position. Our target market is young, fashionable women. I’ve therefore developed a system to persuade customers to purchase the more expensive items. I placed a few special items on hold. I go after our “it” girls and big spenders. Then I give the items on hold a personal touch by writing their names on the hangers. How can I predict when these girls will enter the store to shop? I don’t. My index cards with their names on them. We label the items as held for that girl when they arrive. The trick led to a 70% increase in new arrival item sales and landed me a management position.
On occasion, the interviewer will directly inquire about your present position’s title, responsibilities, or role. It is therefore advisable to practice talking about any of the bullet points you listed in your experience section.
8. What Management Style Do You Use?
No matter what position you’re applying for, you might be asked this management question because the hiring manager will evaluate your leadership potential and prospects based on your phone interview response. Share a succinct success tale from when you oversaw a team or project.
Sample Answers :- I believe that alternating between management styles is the best strategy. But I enjoy encouraging team bonding when I have free time. A good manager makes an effort to form a cohesive team that functions well as a unit. Naturally, this management approach is only profitable over the long haul. I decide to reassign tasks or pick up the slack in cases of more pressing crises. Threats and negative reinforcement are only used as a last resort.
- The candidate here demonstrates flexibility in their management approach.
I once oversaw a group of more than 15 employees from various departments. The group began missing deadlines. I discovered that some interdepartmental animosity was being brought on by miscommunication. I planned a team-building exercise to address the issue. I assigned the group a number of enjoyable, cooperative tasks. I switched up the players after each game so that everyone had at least one working relationship. We eventually had a discussion about the best and worst ways to communicate. I then facilitated a discussion about how they might apply these abilities at work. The teams’ animosity diminished, and productivity increased by twofold. In fact, we exceeded it by 12% that month.
- The candidate has continued by providing an illustration of her managerial prowess. She fixed a problem that caused a 15-person team to double their output. Even better, they exceeded their sales goal by 12%. When describing your management style, try to include numbers.
9. What Will You Be Like in Five Years?
Many people don’t know where they want to be in five years, but this phone screening question is asked to determine whether the company is a good fit for you and if your long-term professional goals are compatible with the company.
Sample Answers :- I want to expand my skill set as a chef. I want to learn how to create and present dishes for a 5-star restaurant like yours at the end of the next five years. If it’s possible, I’d also like to complete some specialized managerial training. I’ve chosen to spend some of my free time participating in workshops and online training to accomplish this. My dream is to be able to say that I am the best at my position at Le Bone A Petit thanks to my new skills.
- Never forget to mention your plans for acquiring pertinent skills outside of the workplace. Be careful not to overdo it. The interviewer might assume that you will find something more enjoyable to do than work.
10. What Inspires You?
There is no one correct response to this broad question. There is a way to respond to it correctly, though.
Consider your advantages as you identify your passions and interests. Obtain a copy of the company’s values. In order to correctly respond to the question, use them as a guide.
Sample Answers :- I really like using my imagination and being creative. My first true love was art and contemporary design, and I still strongly value and support excellent artistic direction today. Every other aspect of my life is governed by my love of creativity, and I’d love to use it professionally as well.
How to Ace a Phone Interview: Pro Tips
In a phone interview, your voice conveys a lot, both literally and figuratively, since your appearance and smile are not taken into consideration. To prevent a dry throat, keep a bottle of water nearby. Make sure your phone interview answers are understood by using clear enunciation.
If you’re on a VoIP call for an interview, you don’t want your internet to go down in the middle of it. To give yourself the most bandwidth, quit all of your computer programs. Sit close to your WiFi router.
After turning off any potential bells, buzzers, barking dogs, and bothersome babies lock yourself in a room to drown out all sounds in the area.
The most crucial thing is that you tell the truth.
Make sure to properly follow up after phone interviews once they are done. Many days after your interview, send a thank-you email. It’s a polite gesture that also lets them know you’re watching for a reply.
You can unwind more during phone interviews because you won’t need to leave your comfort zone for a formal, in-person meeting.
However, it’s crucial that you understand how to get ready for a phone interview:
- Practice the most typical questions and responses for telephone interviews.
- Don’t forget to have a question ready to put on the phone screener. This is equally significant!
- Last but not least, follow up after a phone interview the same way you would after a face-to-face one.
Good luck!
