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8 Common Phone Interview Questions & Example Answers

Phone interviews are often the first step in the hiring process. They help employers narrow down candidates before bringing them in for in-person meetings. Knowing how to answer common phone interview questions can boost your chances of moving forward. It’s smart to practice your responses ahead of time. This way, you’ll feel more confident and prepared when the call comes.

We’ve put together a list of typical phone interview questions and some example answers to help you get ready. These tips will help you make a great first impression and stand out from other applicants.

About Phone Interviews

What Is a Phone Interview?

A phone interview is a chat with a potential employer over the phone. It’s often the first time you’ll speak directly with someone from the company. These calls usually last 15-30 minutes.

During the call, you might talk to a recruiter or hiring manager. They’ll ask about your work history and skills. You’ll also get a chance to learn more about the job.

Be ready to talk about your experience and why you want the job. It’s a good idea to have your resume handy when the call comes.

The Purpose of Phone Screening

Phone screenings save time for both you and the employer. Employers use these calls to check a few key things:

  • Your basic qualifications for the job
  • Your communication skills
  • Your interest in the position

They might also ask about your salary expectations. This helps them see if you’re a good fit for their budget. Related: 9 Example Answers to Questions About Desired Compensation

Common Phone Interview Questions

Phone interviews often include several standard questions to assess candidates. Being prepared with thoughtful answers can help you make a great first impression. Here are some common questions you may encounter and tips for crafting strong responses.

“Tell Me About Yourself”

This question lets you highlight your relevant experience and skills.

Answer template: “I’m a [your profession] with [X] years of experience in [relevant fields]. I’ve worked on [types of projects/responsibilities] and excel at [key skills]. I’m looking for new opportunities to [career goals].”

Example
“I’m a marketing specialist with 5 years of experience in the retail and hospitality industries. I’ve worked on various projects, including brand development, social media campaigns, and customer engagement initiatives. I excel at creating compelling content and analyzing market trends. I’m looking for new opportunities to further develop my skills in a dynamic environment and contribute to a company’s growth by leveraging my expertise in marketing and brand management.”

More examples: 12 Smart Answers to Interview Question: “Tell Me About Yourself”

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“Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

Tip: Show you’ve done your research on the company and are genuinely interested in the role.

Answer template: “I’m excited about [company’s product/mission/values] and admire [specific company achievements]. The [job title] role aligns with my skills in [relevant areas] and my goal to [career objective].”

Example: “I’m excited about Acme Corp’s innovative smart home products and admire your commitment to sustainability. The Product Manager role aligns with my skills in user research and my goal to develop products that improve people’s daily lives.”

More examples: 15 Smart Answers to “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

8 Good Answers to ‘Why Do You Want This Job?’

“Walk Me Through Your Resume”

Tip: Highlight your most relevant experiences and skills for the position you’re applying for.

Answer template: “I started my career as a [entry-level role] at [company], where I [key responsibilities]. Then I moved to [next company] as a [role], focusing on [main duties]. In my current role as [position] at [company], I’ve [major achievements].”

Example: “I started my career as a sales associate at (…) Retail, where I learned customer service skills. Then I moved to (…) Corp as a junior account manager, focusing on building client relationships. In my current role as senior account manager at (…) Inc, I’ve increased my portfolio’s revenue by 30% over two years.”

Related: 30 Smart Answers: ‘Tell Me About Your Work Experience’

“Describe Your Current Job”

Tip: Focus on your main responsibilities and achievements in your current role.

Answer template: “As a [your job title] at [company], I’m responsible for [main duties]. I’ve [key accomplishments] and work closely with [relevant teams/stakeholders].”

Example: “As a marketing coordinator at Green Tech, I’m responsible for managing our social media presence and email campaigns. I’ve increased our social media engagement by 50% and work closely with the sales team to align our messaging with their goals.”

Related: 10 Best Answers to “Why Are You Looking for a Job Change?”

“What Are Your Career Goals?”

Tip: Share goals that align with the potential growth opportunities at the company you’re interviewing with.

Answer template: “In the short term, I aim to [immediate goal related to the position]. Long term, I’d like to [broader career aspiration] while continuing to develop my skills in [relevant areas].”

Example: “In the short term, I aim to become an expert in data analysis and visualization. Long term, I’d like to move into a leadership role where I can guide a team of analysts while continuing to develop my skills in machine learning and AI applications.”

More examples: 5 Smart Answers to “What Are Your Career Goals?”

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“Describe Your Greatest Strength and Weakness”

For strengths, choose something relevant to the job. For weaknesses, show self-awareness and steps you’re taking to improve.

Strength template: “One of my greatest strengths is [skill]. For example, [specific situation where you used this strength].”

Weakness template: “I’m working on improving my [area for development]. I’ve been [steps you’re taking to address it].”

Example strength: “One of my greatest strengths is adaptability. For example, when our team suddenly had to shift to remote work, I quickly learned new collaboration tools and helped my colleagues adjust, keeping our projects on track.”

Example weakness: “I’m working on improving my public speaking skills. I’ve been taking a Toastmasters course and volunteering to lead more team presentations to get more practice.”

More examples: 50+ Best Examples: ‘What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?’

“Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

Show ambition while aligning your goals with potential growth at the company.

Answer template: “In five years, I hope to have grown into a [target role] position, having developed expertise in [relevant skills/areas]. I’m excited about the possibility of [potential contributions to the company].”

Example: “In five years, I hope to have grown into a senior software engineer position, having developed expertise in cloud architecture and machine learning. I’m excited about the possibility of leading innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI-driven applications.”

More examples: 20 Good Answers: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

“Why Should We Hire You?”

This is your chance to sell yourself. Pick 3-4 key strengths that match the job. For each one, give a quick example of how you’ve used it. You could say, “I’m great at solving tough tech issues. Last month, I fixed a bug that had stumped my team for weeks.” More examples: 10 Answers to “Why Should We Hire You?”

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Always have 2-3 questions ready: this shows you’re interested and did your homework. (Avoid asking about time off or benefits at this stage.) Focus on the work itself. If applicable, your questions can also highlight your skills. For example, “I led a project to cut costs by 15% last year. Are there similar initiatives I could help with here?

Related: 30 Smart Questions for ‘Do You Have Any Questions?’ in a Job Interview

Before the Interview

1. Research the Company

Look into the company’s background before your interview. Check out their website to learn about their products or services. Read recent news articles or press releases about them. This shows you’re interested and helps you ask good questions. You can also look at their social media pages to get a feel for the company culture. Knowing these things will help you talk about why you want to work there.

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2. Study the Job Description

Read the job posting carefully. Make note of the key skills and qualifications they want. Think of examples from your past work that show you have those skills. Be ready to talk about how your experience fits what they’re looking for. If there are parts of the job you’re not familiar with, do some quick research so you can discuss them.

3. Reflect on Your Resume

Go over your resume before the interview. Be ready to talk about any job or project listed there. Think of specific examples that show your skills and achievements. Practice explaining any gaps in your work history. If you have a lot of experience, focus on the most relevant parts for this job. Your resume is like a cheat sheet for your career – know it well! Related: 8 Examples: Confidently Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume

4. Plan Your Interview Space

Find a quiet place for your phone interview. Make sure you have good cell service or a stable internet connection if it’s a video call. Choose a spot with minimal background noise. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes. Keep a copy of your resume and the job description nearby. A glass of water is good to have too. (Being in a comfortable, distraction-free space will help you focus on the conversation.)

Post-Interview

Following Up After the Interview

Send a thank you email within 24 hours of your phone interview. You can mention something specific from your conversation to jog the interviewer’s memory. For example:

“Thank you for discussing the marketing role with me. I enjoyed learning about your team’s social media strategy.”

More examples: Meaningful Thank-You Email After a Phone Interview and 12 Thank You Email After Interview Templates & Examples

If you don’t hear back in a week, you can send a polite check-in email. Ask about the timeline for their decision. This shows you’re still keen on the job without being pushy. Related: Interview Follow-up Email Examples (1-2-3 weeks)

Posted in: Job Interview