Phone Interview Questions and Answers

The Phone interview plays a crucial role in a candidate’s pre-hire process.  This means that the employer has reviewed the candidate’s resume and or application and they are showing some interest which is a positive step forward, although the candidate is still far away from being hired!  The phone interview in many cases may be a make-it or break-it for many candidates as this is mainly a way for the employer to verify if the “you” the candidate are both a cultural and technical fit for their work environment. Below are some of the most common phone interview questions and answers.

Q. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

A. This question is commonly used by the employer to break the ice and to get the candidate to reveal some basic personality traits. The best response would be short and professional.  Remember to stay focused as the employer doesn’t want to hear anything that doesn’t relate to their business!

Q. What is your education background?

A. The correct answer is the honest answer. “Direct and straight to the point”, is the only thing an employer likes to hear.  If you do not have a degree and you are not enrolled in an educational program, don’t talk about how you are continuing your education because the truth is you aren’t!

Q. Are you currently employed and where?

A. In an ideal situation, you don’t want to leave one job without having another lined up; always answer this question direct to the point and honestly. Note: no negative talk even if your previous job came to a bitter end!

Q. If you are not employed, when were you last employed and what is the reason that you are no longer there?

A. If you are not employed be honest about your employment dates both verbally and written on your resume.  Note: Always remember, “do not talk negatively about your previous employers or employment situations”, no matter how much you want to!

Q. Tell me about your current employer (i.e. what do they do, how long they’ve been in business, etc.).

A. This question is used to show how well you know your own business and how detail oriented you are or may be.

Q. What is the most important thing you’re looking for in a company/job?

A. And no, the answer should never be more money!!! Even if that is the real answer!!  The correct answer should be; a new challenge with an opportunity for growth and development.  Employers truly want candidates that can offer an immediate impact on their business, including applicable skills, education and experience, but also candidates that are interested in new challenges and want to continue to develop and grow within new work environments!

Q. Why are you considering leaving your current employer?

A.. If your answer is because you hate your boss, you just lost this opportunity!  No employer ever likes to hear negative discussions about your current or prior work engagements.  Any negative discussions will be portrayed as “red flags” to the employer which are not good for you.  Depending on your circumstance there could be many answers to this question.  Simply give a positive response with a logical explanation such as “I decided to relocate so that I could be closer to my family” or “I’ve been at my current employer for 8 years and I’ve reached my maximum potential, so I’ve decided to search for a new and challenging opportunities”, etc.

Q. How long have you been with your current employer?

A. this is a simple close-ended question, simply answer the question honestly! If it wasn’t a substantial length of time, just give a logical and positive explanation.  “Remember; always be as positive as possible.”

Q. On a Day-to-Day basis at your current job, what are your primary responsibilities?  

A. This question is to test your ability to articulate in fine detail what you do at your current employer. If your memory is not that great, you should prepare yourself with some details. Note: never regurgitate the information directly off of your resume as this shows that you are unable to have an intellectual conversation!

Q. What size groups do you work in and do you have any group size preferences?

A. This is a question to see how comfortable you working with other people.  It is always best to be honest, with the employer and yourself.  If you really don’t like working in larger groups or around lots of people then let them know… Maybe the job isn’t an exact fit for you and that’s OK because there will be many other opportunities out there that may provide you with your ideal work environment. Phone interviews and in person interviews are also a perfect opportunity for you the candidate to be interviewing the employer, to verify if their company/job is best for you!

Q. Have you received any raises or promotions at your current employer?

A. This is a pretty straight forward question, either you have or you haven’t.  Either way it is always good to discuss your promotions and if you haven’t been promoted, then keep the conversation positive; which means no negative discussions!

Q. Do you have any managerial experience or are you more of an individual contributor?

A. if you do not, then it is ok to say that you are an individual contributor, if you do have managerial experience then elaborate on your experience, let them know; when, where, how many people did you manage, your responsibilities as a manager, etc..  Note: good

For more of my job search, job interview and careers articles, visit my blog.

About the Author

Hello! I am a Co-Founder of InovaHire, please check out inovahire.com. We have a patent-pending web technology that allows us to offer an employment database with real-time interviewing via a webcam capabilities.

Interview Tips – Mastering Your Phone Interview

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