What are the questions that H.R. asks on a phone interview?

A phone interview is usually the second time you are in contact with the company and the first time you speak with HR.

Phone interviews are a form of screening applicants - they save time and travel and expenses for both parties.

  • Phone interviews are used by both employment agencies and employers.
    • The telephone interviewer will immediately establish whether you shall be called in for a face to face interview - by the sound of your voice, your vocabulary and the confidence you project.

Phone interviews come with their own special challenges.

A phone interview is usually the second time you are in contact with the company and the first time you speak with HR.

You should be well prepared.

  1. Once you have said, what you have said - it is done.
  2. Know what position you are applying for - and know what your capabilities are.
  3. Once you speak - the words are out there - no recalling them.
  4. Telephone interviews are an instance where your voice alone carries your message and gives a first impression.
    • Unless: Is the interview face-time or Skype, etc?
    • If face-time / Skype - then be presentable.
    • Go somewhere there is little or no background noise, a good connection.

i.e. Give yourself the best opportunity to be heard (and seen).

Be prepared to answer all reasonable questions the HR manager might ask.

Here are some sample questions:

Questions will vary, and will depend on whether or not the company already has your resume in their possession.

Questions About Your Background

  1. Name of company, job title and job description, dates of employment.
  2. What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
  3. What were your responsibilities?
  4. What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
  5. Why are you leaving your job?
  6. What are your salary expectations?

Questions About the New Job and the Company

  1. What interests you about this job opening?
  2. Why do you think you are suited to this job?
  3. What relevant experience do you have?
  4. Are you suitable qualified for this job?
  5. What do you envisage doing for this company?
  6. What do you know about this company?
  7. Why do you want to work here?
  8. What challenges are you looking for in a position?
  9. What can you contribute to this company?
  10. Are you willing to travel?
  11. Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know?

Phone Interview Questions About You

  1. What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
  2. What is your greatest weakness?
  3. What is your greatest strength?
  4. Describe a typical work week.
  5. How would you describe the pace at which you work?
  6. How do you handle stress and pressure? - You can ask what type of stress and pressure (having a shitty boss is not stress or pressure - it is abuse)
  7. What motivates you?
  8. Tell me about yourself.
  9. Questions about your career goals.
  10. What type of work environment do you prefer?
  11. How do you evaluate success?
  12. Job interview questions about your abilities.

And other job interview questions about you.

Have Questions of Your Own Ready to Ask

Bear in mind, you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you - yes corporations have the upper hand, they have the position, the money , the 'power' - this does not mean you should not stand up for who you are, what you have learned, and what you are able to contribute to the community. Asking relevant questions will enable you to appraise the company and decide if you shall take the position should they offer.

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