Top 20 Phone Interview
Questions & Answers

PHONE INTERVIEWS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

The following questions are often asked by candidates preparing for phone interviews. The answers to each frequently asked question will give you an insight into how a phone interview works, and more importantly, what you can do to succeed!

QUESTION: How long does a phone interview last?

Generally, a phone interview will last for up to 20 minutes but it does very much depend on the length of your answers. If the interviewer feels you are not suitable for the job they may limit the number of questions they ask.

QUESTION: What is the purpose of a phone interview?

A phone interview is often used by an employer to filter out those people they do not want to invite along to an in-person or panel interview. Phone interviews are far quicker and easier to undertake, whereas a face-to-face interview takes longer and involves more preparation time and resources.

QUESTION: What should I say in a phone interview?

Treat the phone interview as a proper interview. Do not treat it informally. You still have to impress the hiring manager and in some ways, this is harder to achieve than in a face-to-face job interview.

QUESTION: Does a phone interview mean anything?

Yes, a phone interview is good news! It means the employer is interested in hiring you but they want to find out more about you first and what you are like as a person.  If they like what they hear during the phone interview, they will invite you along to an in-person interview. For some roles, you may get offered the job immediately after the phone interview has finished!

QUESTION: Can I use a cheat sheet or read from a script during my phone interview?

The important thing to remember is the hiring manager cannot see you during the phone interview; they can only hear you. Therefore, it is acceptable to read from a script and use a cheat sheet. However, it is important to note that your answers must be relevant to you and your experience, and you must sound natural. Therefore, practicing your answers to the most common phone interview questions listed on this page should be an important part of your phone interview preparation.

QUESTION: How do you ace a phone interview?

You can ace your phone interview by getting your answers ready to the 20 interview questions listed on this page. You can also ace your phone interview by being positive and upbeat when speaking to the hiring manager, by listening to what they have to say, and by trying to build a connection with them. All hiring managers want to employ staff who are self-motivated, enthusiastic, and professional. If you are downbeat or negative during your phone interview, you are less likely to get hired.