A phone interview is also known as a screening interview or screening interview. In these sessions, questions about phone interviews are asked. For both employers and job candidates, phone interviews are a more appropriate and easily accessible format for introducing the job candidate to the job opportunity.
The interview saves both the employer and the job applicant time because it allows the employer to determine whether the candidate is a good fit for the job early on. It is regarded as a relatively common aspect of the interview and job-search processes. Passing a phone interview usually entails being invited to an in-person interview.
How long is the interview going to last?
A phone interview lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. This type of interview is conducted by a hiring manager or an employee from the team for which you have applied. The interviewer will spend the majority of the phone call explaining the hiring process and company policies.
The interview is designed to determine whether you are a qualified candidate for the job. And are an excellent fit for the role. Alternatively, make certain that you have no questions about the job. Expect an interview question about your work history, details in your cover letter, and resume.
Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Meetings, Google Meet, and other similar services are available.
It’s not unusual for a phone screen to be a Skype or Zoom interview, which means the prospective employer or phone interviewer is speaking to you via video chat. The recruiter, hiring manager, or interviewer will let you know if you’re part of a phone screening interview (or “screening interview”).
Swetha Amaresan of Hubspot lists the following as the top business etiquette tips for phone conversations:
- Respond within three rings.
- Introduce yourself right away.
- Speak loudly.
- Use a speakerphone instead.
- Take notes while actively listening.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Before putting someone on hold, inquire.
Telephone Interview Strategies for Job Seekers
- Prepare an elevator pitch ahead of time. An elevator pitch will help the interviewer understand who you are.
- Examine each common phone interview question and prepare an answer tailored to the job title and your potential employer.
- Prepare to answer a few behavioral interview questions. “Tell me about a time…” begins a behavioral question.
- Treat your phone interview the same way you would any other type of job interview.
- Prepare ahead of time by conducting a mock interview with a friend or colleague.
- Locate yourself in an area with good cell phone reception or an internet connection.
- And in a quiet location with few distractions.
- When speaking, remember to smile.
- Slow down the pace of your interview responses. Calm your nerves by breathing slowly and pacing your interview answers.
- If the hiring manager asks, have your salary expectations ready.
- Screening questions should have answers that are no more than 90 seconds long.
- Learn about the person conducting the phone screen interview ahead of time so you can begin the call with ice breakers.
- If you’re really interested in the job, conduct an informational interview first. During this interview, the job seeker can get career advice from employed personnel. They can provide useful information about what the interviewer or hiring manager is looking for in an ideal candidate.
- After the interview is over, send a thank-you email.
How to Respond to Phone Interview Questions
Respond to phone interview questions in the same way you would in any other interview. Concentrate on your strongest abilities and professional accomplishments. Also, ensure that they are pertinent to the company and job description. Investigate the CEO and their vision, for example. And remember to answer each question succinctly and clearly. The hiring manager will value your professional communication skills.
Focus each answer on your career rather than your personal reasons for wanting the job. Keep the company and its objectives in mind. Each interview answer should be supported by professional reasoning.
Search the internet for the company’s missions and become acquainted with them. Prepare notes in advance of the interview. Unlike in-person interviews, you can refer to your notes during the interview.
Questions and Answers for Phone Interviews
The best answers to common phone interview questions (telephone interview questions) are provided below. Make sure to tailor and customize each phone interview question before studying them. Respond with an example of your own work experience. And keep in mind the job title you’re applying for. Expect hiring managers to ask these questions in their own unique manner.
Why do you quit?
I love my current employer, but there’s no upward mobility. I want to join an upwardly mobile company.
Your salary expectations?
I’ve researched PayScale and Salary.com. This role pays between $80,000 and $95,000 per year on average. Unless otherwise noted, my salary expectations are in that range.
Previous job duties?
I handled creative deliverables. My job included graphic, UI, and brand design. I served cross-department needs.
How does your workweek look?
I assess the week’s work and plan it out each Sunday. Discuss managers’ expectations. I begin execution midweek. I assess the week’s work and meet with managers on Friday. Discuss needs met and next week’s plans.
Why you?
The role appears to require a successful sales track record. Throughout my sales career, I’ve increased net revenues by 23%.
How do you evaluate success?
True Situation-dependent. The team’s morale could be assessed. For quantitative evaluations, use raw data.
What would have helped your career?
I may have learned from earlier mistakes. Early risks could have led to more opportunities.
Coworkers describe you as…
They’d say I’m an active listener and company-focused.
What do you want in a manager?
I want an empathetic listener who meets team needs.
How do your managers rate you?
They’d say I care about our team, department, and my own performance. I’m not afraid to go the extra mile.
If you had to sum yourself up in a few words, what would they be?
Adaptable, sympathetic, and innovative are three characteristics that best describe me.
Tell me about your career.
I’ve always worked in multiple departments. This has boosted my career. I’m cross-functional and independent. You’ll see on my resume that this has happened and what I’ve accomplished under pressure.
Why should they hire you?
I’ve met sales goals for my employers 80% of the time. This seems valued for this role.
What would you do in your first 30 days of work?
In my first 30 days, I’d try to learn as much as possible. First 30-days are crucial for learning the business, department’s role, and more. In previous jobs, I spent my first year learning the company.
When were you happiest with your job?
Execution autonomy and performance goals.
Where will you be next year?
This role offers great potential. This job will help me grow professionally. Boost my career. I’m unsure further.
Your communication style?
Active listener who speaks for others, not herself.
Who are you?
Consider the customer in daily work. Workstyle should evolve around customers’ needs, while being creative. I’m trying to be understanding. I’m adaptable to customer needs.
Questions to Ask the Interviewer Over the Phone
During your phone interview, ask the interviewer the following questions about the role. When deciding on a specific question to ask the person conducting the interview, make sure it is relevant to the conversation you both had. Avoid asking questions that seem redundant to what the interviewer has already said.
Example interview questions
- When do you hope to find someone for this position?
- What steps should I take during the hiring process?
- What company policies and procedures should I be familiar with?
- Are there any other assets I can provide you in order for you to properly evaluate me?
- Do you have any further questions for me?
- What is the most difficult aspect of this job?
- What is your management style?
- Why do you want this position?
- Why did you leave your previous job?
- What are your professional objectives?
- Is there training available for new employees?
- What is a typical work week like for this position?
- What words would you use to describe the company culture?
- Can I give you some references?
- What happens next in the interview process?
- What soft skills do you believe are necessary for this position?
- Can you give me an example of when the previous person in this position was successful?
- What advice would you give to yourself if you were interviewing for this position?
- Could you describe the daily activities of this job?
- How long does typical training last?
- What is the most significant challenge you face in this role?
- What advice do you think the previous holder of this position would give me?
- When do you hope to set up the following job interviews with each candidate?
- What do all of the company’s employees have in common?
- What characteristics do the team members have in common?
- Was there anything about working at this company that surprised you?
