Phone Interview Questions

You're applying for a job. They gave the following procedural list:

1. Submit your application.

2. If you are still in the running after they've weeded out unsuitable applications, they'll set up a telephone interview. This is less expensive than a personal interview for the company for reducing the number of applicants---a lower level (read that "cheaper") employee can do the interview, and it can be done in less time than a face-to-face interview.

3. If you're then still in the running, they'll set up a personal interview.

First, be sure you keep a copy of your application and resumé. You'll want to have them in front of you during the phone interview. (I hope you gave your cell number on the application. Employers aren't inclined to play a long game of phone tag with you at your home number just to schedule an interview.)

Second, prepare! Don't rush this step because it can make the difference between your being a ho-hum applicant or a dynamic one. (Keep a copy of your research---you won't have to spend as much time researching the next time you apply for a job.)

Here's what you need to research:

1. The company.

   o How large is the company?
   o How long have they been in business? Learn as much of their history as you can.
   o Are they financially stable?
   o What products and/or services do they offer?
   o Who are their competitors? How does the company rank among its competitors in the market?
   o Is the company culture one that can be a "fit" for you?
   o What about the company makes you want to work for them (besides their having a job opening!)?
   o Can you do the job?
   o You can find information about the business at sites such as Hoover's (http://www.hoovers.com/free/) or Quintessential Careers (http://www.quintcareers.com/career_centers/).

2. Your work history. (You have probably already researched this when you filled out the application and wrote your resumé---but double check to be sure you haven't left anything out.) In addition to the cold hard facts about your jobs (e.g., how long you were there, what your specific job requirements were, how much you got paid, why you left/are leaving, etc.), you will also need to think about (and write down) other aspects of your past jobs:

   o What your responsibilities were.
   o What you expected the job to be like and whether or not it met those expectations.
   o How you got along with your co-workers and supervisors. What you felt their strong and weak points were.
   o What difficulties you faced and how you handled them.
   o Your strengths and weaknesses in performing each job.
   o What you liked and disliked about each job.

3. Your own thoughts and desires. Yes, you read right. The interviewer will ask questions such as:

   o How do you handle stress?
   o What are your pet peeves?
   o What do other people like/dislike about you?
   o What are your goals for the next one/five/ten years?
   o How do you plan to achieve those goals?
   o What salary do you need/expect/want?
   o Why do you want this job?
   o Why should we hire you instead of someone else?

4. The interviewer will probably ask questions that would reflect how you act in specific circumstances or how you think about certain things:

   o What would you do differently if you were just starting your first job?
   o How do you prefer to communicate---phone, e-mail, instant messaging?
   o What is your favorite book? Movie?
   o Who is your favorite person (living or dead)? Why?
   o Describe your dream job? Your worst nightmare of a job?
   o What is your favorite game?
   o Give an example of a situation where you used logic/tact to solve a problem.
   o Have you ever gone above and beyond the call of duty? When and how?
   o How have you handled a difficult situation with a customer/co-worker?

You also need to think about what questions you have for the interviewer. I once came in second place for a job because I had no questions for the interviewer! Alison Doyle, a writer for About.com has some ideas for questions you can ask. Some of her suggestions include:

• How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

• How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?

• What is the company's management style?

• Is overtime expected?

• How does one advance in the company?

• What do you like about working here?

• What don't you like about working here and what would you change?

• Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

I have mentioned several items to have in front of you during the phone interview:

• A copy of your completed job application.

• Your resumé.

• The questions and answers your have found in your research and reflections.

Tips for speaking on the phone:

• Smile. You'd be surprised how much difference that makes to the listener!

• Stand up during the interview. It makes your voice sound stronger.

• Practice. You don't want to "ah, er, hum, yeah, well" your way through the call. These habits are especially annoying over the telephone.

• Don't use hand gestures or facial expressions instead of verbalizing. The interviewer can't see you. However, it is good to use them along with your speech because they generally make you sound more animated and involved.

• Don't smoke, chew gum, eat or drink anything. I remember a business caller who spoke to me while she chowed down her crunchy lunch. It still annoys me!

• Never answer a question with simply "yes" or "no." Use each question as an opportunity to add selling points.

• Never interrupt!

Thank you to Mary Lou Derksen for this "Phone Interview Questions" article.

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