An initial phone interview can feel like a nerve-wracking pop quiz, but with the right preparation, it can be more like a friendly chat with a future colleague. This blog is your cheat sheet, with tips on how to prepare for those initial phone interview questions and answers that will make you shine.
1. Prepare for Common Phone Interview Questions
First things first, what are some of the common questions you can expect during this first, crucial call? Let’s take a look at some of the classic initial phone interview questions that recruiters love to ask:
Remember, each of these questions is a chance to show why you're the best fit for the role. So, prepare your answers but don't memorize them word-for-word — you want to sound natural, not robotic. And always, always back up your answers with examples. Because as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Or in this case, the proof of your prowess is in the details!
So, are you ready to ace those initial phone interview questions? Because they're ready for you!
2. Formulate Smart Answers to Typical Questions
So, you've got a handle on the most common initial phone interview questions. But how do you turn those into smart, standout responses? I'm glad you asked. Let's get into it.
"Tell me about yourself."
The key to this one is to keep it short and sweet. Focus on your professional accomplishments and how they relate to the job you're interviewing for. A little personal touch won't hurt, as long as it's relevant. For instance, if you're interviewing for a marketing role and you've been running a successful blog in your spare time, that's worth mentioning!
"What interests you about this position?"
Here, the recruiter is looking for signs that you're genuinely interested in the job and not just applying randomly. Show you've done your homework by mentioning specifics about the company or the role that excite you.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
While honesty is important, it's also crucial to align your future plans with the company's needs. If your five-year plan includes a position or skill that will benefit the company, definitely include that in your answer.
"What is your greatest strength?"
Go beyond generic responses like "I'm a hard worker". Choose a strength that's highly relevant to the role and provide an example of how you've demonstrated it in the past.
"What is your biggest weakness?"
This question can feel like a trap, but it's not meant to be. The key is to pick a real weakness, but one that you're actively working to improve. Show the recruiter that you're self-aware and committed to personal growth.
"Why did you leave your last job?"
Even if you left under less-than-ideal circumstances, it's important to keep things positive. Focus on what you're looking forward to in a new role instead of what went wrong in the last one.
"What are your salary expectations?"
This one can be tricky, but doing your research will pay off. Know the average salary for the role in your location and use that to guide your answer. And remember, it's okay to give a range rather than a specific number.
By articulating your answers clearly and confidently, you'll show the recruiter that you're a thoughtful and well-prepared candidate. And who wouldn't want that on their team? On to the next step: turning the tables with your own questions. But that's a topic for another section. Stay tuned!
3. Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Just as a recruiter assesses your fit for the role with their initial phone interview questions, you too should be evaluating if the company is a good match for you. How do you do this? By asking insightful questions, of course!
"Can you describe the company culture?"
This question helps you understand whether you'll feel comfortable and thrive in the company's work environment. Are they all about collaboration, or is it every person for themselves? Is the atmosphere formal or more laid-back? These are the nuances you want to uncover.
"What does a typical day look like in this role?"
This question gives you a glimpse into your potential future at the company. It can help you visualize what your workday might entail and whether it aligns with your preferred working style.
"What are the main challenges or obstacles the person in this position might face?"
By asking this, you show the recruiter that you're not afraid of challenges and are willing to strategize. Plus, it gives you a heads-up on potential hurdles and lets you think about how you would tackle them.
"How do you measure success in this position?"
This question shows you're result-oriented and eager to succeed. The answer will give you an idea of what to prioritize and how to exceed expectations once you're in the role.
"What are the growth opportunities within the company?"
Asking this demonstrates your ambition and interest in long-term career development within the organization.
"Can you tell me more about the team I'll be working with?"
This question can provide insight into the team dynamics, the skills of your potential colleagues, and how you would fit into the equation.
"What's the next step in the interview process?"
This one's a no-brainer. It shows you're eager to move forward and gives you a timeline to work with.
Remember, an interview is a two-way street. It's not just about them liking you, but about you liking them too. So don't be shy — ask away! Once you've got your questions answered, it's time to wrap things up nicely with a solid follow-up. But more on that in the next section. Until then, happy questioning!
4. Follow-up After the Phone Interview
You've navigated through the initial phone interview questions, asked your insightful queries, and now the call ends. Is it time to sit back and wait for their response? Absolutely not! Following up after a phone interview is just as important as the interview itself. Here's how to do it effectively.
"Send a Thank You email"
A simple thank you goes a long way! Send a brief email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity. This isn't just about courtesy — it reinforces your interest in the role.
"Reiterate your interest in the position"
In your email, take the opportunity to state how the interview has further piqued your interest in the job. Talk about specific aspects of the role or the company that excited you during the conversation.
"Highlight your suitability for the role"
Without sounding like a broken record, gently remind them of your key skills that make you a great fit for the job. Be sure to tie these skills to specific parts of the conversation you had during the interview.
"Ask about the next steps"
If you forgot to ask about this during the interview, now's the time to do it. Politely inquire about the next steps in the process and the expected timeline.
"Keep it short and sweet"
Your follow-up email should be concise and to the point. The goal is to remind them of your candidature, not to write a novel.
"Wait patiently"
Once you've sent your follow-up email, give them some time to respond. If you haven't heard back after a week or so, it's okay to send a gentle nudge. But remember, patience is key!
The follow-up is your last chance to make an impression after the initial phone interview questions. So, make it count! It's not just about securing the job, but also about commencing a professional relationship with potential future colleagues. With these tips, you're well on your way to acing the post-interview follow-up. Good luck!
