What Do They Ask In A Phone Interview

Question 1: What Is An Obstacle You’ve Faced And How Did You Get Through It

Phone Interview Questions and Answers Examples – How to Prepare for Phone Interviews

Why they’re asking this: Colleges want to know if you’ve faced any significant challenges in your life. They also want to see that you’re persistent and willing to work hard in order to overcome these obstacles.

What they’re looking for: It’s fine if you haven’t had some awful, incredibly difficult obstacle in your life. Think of a time when you faced a problem that challenged you, and you put in a lot of effort to solve it. Your obstacle could be related to your home life, school, or an extracurricular activity. In your response, explain how the obstacle challenged you and emphasize what exactly you did to overcome it.

How to prepare: Think of a significant challenge you’ve had in your life and how you dealt with it. What did you learn from the problem? How did you solve it? Did it change or influence the way you address similar problems?

Tell Me About A Time You Went Above And Beyond What Was Expected Of You

This is another of the most commonly-asked phone interview questions. Youll hear this often in customer service phone interviews but also in other industries.

To prepare for this question, think back to your two most recent jobs and come up with a scenario where you were presented with a task that was outside of your typical work duties.

When you talk about a time you went above and beyond at work, always highlight a story with a positive outcome like a happy customer, a problem solved for your company, etc.

And just like with the previous question, keep your answer length to one or two minutes and tell a clear story from start to finish.

Think about the job youre interviewing for, too, and pick an example that theyll find relevant. In any phone interview, you should focus on demonstrating that your background will allow you to step into this employers job and be successful with whatever they need.

Its not just about showing hiring managers that youre skilled or hard-working you need to show them youre a good fit for their exact role.

Sample answer:

Focus And Cut Out All Distractions

Make sure youre not distracted. Turn off the TV. Let me repeat that. TURN OFF THE TV.

Nobody wants to ask you about your past performances and work history and hear Sponge Bob in the background. Dont think putting it on mute is good enough either. People can tell if youre distracted and delaying your answers to a potential employer because youre reading the crawler at the bottom of FOX News isnt going to score you any points.

Get comfortable, but dont get too comfortable.

Find a good spot to sit down and have all your prep materials nearby for easy access.

Sit at the kitchen table or at a desk.

Dont lay down. Dont slouch. Make sure distractions are not going to be an issue.

If youre doing the interview at home and youre not alone, make sure everyone knows youre going to be busy for a bit and to give you some privacy. Put the dogs outside. Pop in a video for the kids. Have your spouse keep everyone calm. At the very least go into a room where you can shut the door and focus on the task at hand.

So, now that youre up and dressed, lets get ready for that interview!

First and foremost, make sure youre presenting yourself in the most professional way possible, from the very first Hello, all the way to the Goodbye.

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What Questions Do You Have For Me

Always have questions to ask the interviewer. It can make the difference between getting hired and not getting a callback after the phone interview. .

You can ask about the job duties, goals, the team, the company overall, the training youll receive, how your performance will be measured, and questions about the actual interview process

If youre having an interview with a recruiter, here are some good questions to ask them.

Describe A Recent Project Youve Worked On And Tell Me About Your Role In It

The recruiters perspective: They want to know if you can actually explain your project to a layperson. Most are primarily on an engineering team, but engineering teams are not your only stakeholders. Can you have a conversation with the product team to explain how something works? If youre client-facing, can you talk in a manner that a client can understand? Your ability to translate the tech stack and platforms in a way that anyone can understand also shows that you have an understanding of that skill set.

The answer: Have a couple-sentence-long description ready about why you chose that project and what the goal was. Then describe what you did. Were you responsible for the front end or the back end? If you built an e-commerce platform, did you build the shopping cart? Then reference the actual technical implementation plan that you performed.

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What Is The Purpose Of A Screening Interview

Typically, an employer will hold phone screening interviews in the first round of hiring. They are designed to determine if an applicant is qualified for the position and would be a good fit for their company.

As one of the leading engineering staffing agencies, we help employers recruit engineering, design, and IT Talent. Contact us about our Engineering recruiting services or IT staffing services

Ask About The Next Steps

Asking your interviewer about the next steps in the interview process is a good way to express your continued interest in the role and the company. While some employers might be ready to offer you a job, others might have you come in for an in-person interview as they narrow down their candidate search. Knowing the answer to this question will give you an idea of what to expect so you can prepare for the next steps.

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Smile While On The Phone

You will find that you sound more upbeat and engaged when you do this. Your smiles will be heard by the interviewer making for a positive impression. This is where your attitude will really show.

To help you remember to smile, place a mirror by the phone, where it will be easy for you to see yourself in it. Then, during the call, make a point of looking into it, and smiling while you are talking.

Is A Second Interview A Good Sign Will I Get The Job

Phone Interviews: 10 most asked questions

First of all, getting a second interview is always a good sign. Obviously not all candidates get a second interview so clearly the company is showing interest in you. Having said that, it depends on what exact stage of the interview process youre in and what kind of position youre interviewing for. For example, getting a second in person interview is more impactful than getting an in person interview after a phone interview Whether youll get the job after the second interview really depends on the position and company youre interviewing with. For important roles in large companies you could have a series of interviews.

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When Speaking To Hiring Manager/human Resources

Is there an orientation process for new hires?
What are my long range possibilities with this job? What is the advancement process?
Is there potential for professional growth with the company?
Does the company encourage employees to further their education and improve their skills through classes or conventions?

Tell Me What You Know About The Role

Employers may ask this question to get a starting line for how much they need to tell you about the basics of the position youre applying for. It might also tell them whether or not youve taken the time to carefully read the job description and research as much as possible before.

Example answer:From the job description, I understand that you are looking for a bookkeeper to provide support to the departments financial activities primarily related to Accounts Payable and Procurement. I also understand that you require HIPAA compliance training, for which I am certified. It sounds like many of the daily tasks include processing vendor creation, journals, check requests, wire transfers and invoice for payments. Can you tell me more about why this position is open and what needs the team needs?

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Typical Phone Interview Questions

Phone interviews are conducted just like in-person interviews. They are used by hiring managers and recruiters as a tool for screening candidates for employment.

Its important to take time to review the typical phone interview questions youll be asked and to prepare answers. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.

How To Answer It

Best Job Interview Question to Ask In Your Interview

Easyjust say where you found the job and a little bit about what made you actually apply.

For example, I heard about an opening in through a friend of a friend, , and since Im a big fan of your work and have been following you for a while I decided it would be a great role for me to apply for.

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The Best Answers To Give During A Retail Interview

Although interviewing for a job can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. Careful preparation can strip uncertainty out of the experience and ensure that you present yourself in a confident, competent way.

This is especially important when youre interviewing for a job in the retail industry. Youll need to show the hiring manager that you have the interpersonal skills to provide optimal service to your customers.

Before the big day, make sure you have a few appropriate interview outfits to choose from and that you have done your homework. That means researching the company you are applying to and reviewing your responses to likely interview questions.

In addition to helping you sell yourself to the interviewer, your communication skills will also help you excel in a retail position.

What Kinds Of Questions Are Asked In The Life Insurance Phone Interview

Your life insurance phone interview will start with verification of some basic personal and financial information . The insurance agent will ask questions about your job, assets, and financial obligations to get an idea of why youâre applying for life insurance, and whether the amount youâre applying for makes sense with your financial situation.

The rest of the questions are about your health and habits. This part of the interview process helps the insurance company determine how risky you are to insure so they can complete the underwriting process and set your premium rates. Thatâs why youâll be asked about your health history, your familyâs health history, and any dangerous hobbies you partake in, such as racing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, skydiving, or hang gliding. Youâll also be specifically asked about aviation hobbies.

The health history questions might include:

Whether youâve recently lost or gained weight, quit smoking, or if you have a history of cancer
Your medical history information, including diagnoses, treatments, procedures, and any prescription drugs
Your familyâs health history, to see if any hereditary diseases might play a role in your future health

The life insurance phone interview is relatively quick. Although some questions might seem invasive, theyâre necessary to get you the right coverage. By knowing what to expect and coming prepared, youâll be one step closer to signing your policy and getting the necessary coverage.

Polish Up Your Telephone Communication Skills

PHONE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS! (A Real LIVE Telephone Job Interview Example!)

During the phone interview, youll need to sound as professional as you would if you were meeting the interviewer face to face:

Dont chew gum or eat while youre on the phone.
Have a glass of water close by, in case you need a sip or two during the conversation.
Standing up is an option to consider. Sometimes you can focus better when youre standing.
Be sure to smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Dont ramble on so the interviewer cant interject or ask more questions

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Find A Quiet Environment

Find a quiet space where youll be able to hear the interviewer loud and clear. This will make sure you listen to everything they have to say and that you get all of the information you need.Turn off the television or music, and close the door to the space youre using for your interview. Remove any background noise and interview in a quiet space to demonstrate your professional courtesy and let your interviewer know youre taking this job interview seriously.

What Do You Know About Our Company

With this question, you want to show off your knowledge and demonstrate that you did research before applying for the job.

Employers dont want to hire someone whos just applying to every job, and not taking the time to learn anything about the company. They want someone who applied for a reason and wants to work at THEIR company.

For help with company research, we have a full article on how to research a company before your interview.

And for help with your interview answer after youve researched the employer, you can see the example response below or read our full article on how to answer, what do you know about our company?

Example answer:

I know youre one of the top alarm system manufacturers in the US. I did some reading on your website and discovered that you create alarms for businesses and office buildings, not just individual homes. I also did some reading on your corporate culture and it sounds like you do a lot to support the development of your employees, and get involved in community service too. Thats something I care a lot about and something that attracts me to an employer.

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Phone Interview Questions About You

What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
What is your greatest weakness?
What is your greatest strength?
Describe a typical work week.
How would you describe the pace at which you work?
How do you handle stress and pressure?
What motivates you?
Questions about your career goals.
What type of work environment do you prefer?

Question : What Do You Expect To Be Doing 10 Years From Now

5 Questions To Ask During Your Job Interview

Why they’re asking this: Just to set the record straight, you don’t need to have your entire future figured out. Colleges understand that you probably won’t have everything decided and your plans are likely to change. What they do want is students with direction.

What they’re looking for: Colleges want students who are motivated to achieve their goals. The bad, general answer is to only say you expect to have a fulfilling career and be making a positive impact on the world. What are some specific activities you’d like to do? How do you plan on impacting the world? You don’t have to limit your plans to professional goals. Do you want to take your mom on a vacation? Or have weekly gatherings with your best friends from high school?

How to prepare: You can write down some detailed notes answering this question. Paint a picture of the life you want to have in 10 years. That picture should reveal your uniqueness.

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Walk Me Through Your Resume

Many interviewers will ask, Walk me through your resume as one of the first few phone interview questions because it breaks the ice, gives you a relatively easy question, and gives them a chance to learn more about your background.

Also, some interviewers will enter the phone screen without having reviewed your resume at all . So this is your chance to highlight key career accomplishments and take the interviewer briefly through your resume and career story.

Keep your answer to one or two minutes. Its important to stay concise and focused with open-ended questions like this.

And keep the employers job requirements in mind when answering. You shouldnt just share everything youve done you should spend more time highlighting key jobs and experiences that will be most relevant to your next employers needs.

For example, if youve worked for eight years total, but the past four in the same industry as this employer, spend almost all of your time discussing your experience over the past four years in their industry.

Sample answer:

Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job

Let’s start with what you shouldn’t say .

Don’t talk about how your boss is difficult. Don’t talk about how you can’t get along with other employees. Don’t bad-mouth your company.

Instead, focus on the positives a move will bring. Talk about what you want to achieve. Talk about what you want to learn. Talk about ways you want to grow, about things you want to accomplish explain how a move will be great for you and for your new company.

Complaining about your current employer is a little like people who gossip: If you’re willing to speak badly of someone else, you’ll probably do the same to me.

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