Telephonic Interview Preparation Guide
Sharpen your Telephonic interview expertise with our handpicked 27 questions. Each question is designed to test and expand your Telephonic expertise. Suitable for all experience levels, these questions will help you prepare thoroughly. Dont miss out on our free PDF download, containing all 27 questions to help you succeed in your Telephonic interview. Its an invaluable tool for reinforcing your knowledge and building confidence.27 Telephonic Questions and Answers:
1 :: Tell me why are you leaving your current position?
Usually asked at the start of an interview, this is an opportunity to find out straight away how good you are at thinking on your feet.
The easiest way to think on your feet in this situation is simply to think ahead. It may sound obvious, but if you know the question is likely to come up, a little time rehearsing a potential answer will help you remain calm and collected.
Something short, positive and relatively non-specific e.g. I didn't find the work challenging enough, and that's what I really like about this position'. Always be prepared to give examples.
The easiest way to think on your feet in this situation is simply to think ahead. It may sound obvious, but if you know the question is likely to come up, a little time rehearsing a potential answer will help you remain calm and collected.
Something short, positive and relatively non-specific e.g. I didn't find the work challenging enough, and that's what I really like about this position'. Always be prepared to give examples.
2 :: What do you know about the company?
Many employers ask this question at some point in the process to find out what your preparation skills are like. In other words, it's research time…
Take some time to look at what the company do, what the role entails, and any other information you can get to help paint a picture of the business. The company website is the best place to start, but feel free to look at as many sources as possible. Showing a range of different research will really start demonstrating to the employer how much you want the job.
☛ A short overview of the company, any memorable dates (such as when they were founded), and a basic mission statement is a great start.
Take some time to look at what the company do, what the role entails, and any other information you can get to help paint a picture of the business. The company website is the best place to start, but feel free to look at as many sources as possible. Showing a range of different research will really start demonstrating to the employer how much you want the job.
☛ A short overview of the company, any memorable dates (such as when they were founded), and a basic mission statement is a great start.
3 :: Do you know what were your main responsibilities in your last job?
List a few of your main duties in a way that deviates from what you've already said on your CV. Position your answer to include what experience you have that makes you right for this position.
The purpose of many telephone interviews is to find out if candidates can really back up what they say on their CV, especially when put on the spot.
Make sure you have a copy of your CV to hand, and practice a concise explanation about each of the main duties completed during your most recent position. When this question comes up, simply expand upon each point confidently and, ideally, in a way which may relate to the role you're interviewing for.
The purpose of many telephone interviews is to find out if candidates can really back up what they say on their CV, especially when put on the spot.
Make sure you have a copy of your CV to hand, and practice a concise explanation about each of the main duties completed during your most recent position. When this question comes up, simply expand upon each point confidently and, ideally, in a way which may relate to the role you're interviewing for.
4 :: Tell me what are your greatest achievements?
Any achievements which may relate to an attribute required for the role (check job description). For example, if they ask for someone who works well in a team, you could talk about a group project you took charge of which lead to excellent results.
Similar in intention to the previous question, a recruiter may ask this as a way of vetting which candidates are telling the truth on their CV.
So if it's written down for a recruiter to see, make sure you can actually quantify each individual accomplishment listed, and answer a few questions around them. And by questions, we mean more than reading the exact same sentence they've already read.
Similar in intention to the previous question, a recruiter may ask this as a way of vetting which candidates are telling the truth on their CV.
So if it's written down for a recruiter to see, make sure you can actually quantify each individual accomplishment listed, and answer a few questions around them. And by questions, we mean more than reading the exact same sentence they've already read.
5 :: Tell me what salary are you looking for?
A realistic, but non-specific salary bracket e.g. I'm looking for a starting salary somewhere between £20,000 and £25,000.
Speaking about salary can be awkward for some applicants, and during a telephone interview is no exception.
Honesty is the best policy here. Give a broad salary range which you feel is realistic to the role, its responsibilities and your previous experience. Any further negotiations can be brought up later in the interview stage.
Speaking about salary can be awkward for some applicants, and during a telephone interview is no exception.
Honesty is the best policy here. Give a broad salary range which you feel is realistic to the role, its responsibilities and your previous experience. Any further negotiations can be brought up later in the interview stage.
6 :: What interests you have about this job?
Demonstrate what you know about the position, and the company in general, and back it up with what makes you the perfect candidate for the role. It's all about matching a skill you possess, with skills required in the job description. And some subtle ego-stroking.
7 :: Suppose there seems to be a gap in your education/employment history. What were you doing during this time?
Be as honest as possible here. If it your break was due to personal reasons, then say that. Those who try to lie, often get found it rather quickly. However, if explained the right way your break need not harm your chance of success.
8 :: Tell me about your education/employment history? Take me through your CV?
Give a short description of your education or employment history. Most telephone interviews are fairly brief, so don't go into too much detail. Some candidates may even choose to ask a question, such as:
"What would you like to know?", in this situation rather than regurgitate the content on their CV. If you're confident to follow this method, the approach is perfectly acceptable.
"What would you like to know?", in this situation rather than regurgitate the content on their CV. If you're confident to follow this method, the approach is perfectly acceptable.
9 :: Tell me a little about yourself?
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!
10 :: What is your education background?
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!