Best Questions to Ask in a Phone Interview
Strategic questions to ask during phone interviews to understand the role, company culture, and what they look for in candidates, while making a strong impression.
1What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
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What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the daily responsibilities and workflow, giving you a clear picture of what the job actually involves.
2What are the key skills and qualities you look for in candidates?
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What are the key skills and qualities you look for in candidates?
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Why this works
Reveals what they value most in candidates and helps you understand how to position yourself as a strong fit for the role.
3What's the company culture like and what makes it unique?
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What's the company culture like and what makes it unique?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the work environment and helps you determine if the company would be a good cultural fit for you.
4What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth?
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What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your long-term thinking and shows you're interested in growing with the company, not just getting a job.
5What's the team structure like and who would I be working with?
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What's the team structure like and who would I be working with?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the work environment and whether you'd enjoy working with the team structure they have.
6What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
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What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the business context and demonstrates your interest in the broader challenges and opportunities.
7What training and support will be provided for new hires?
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What training and support will be provided for new hires?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand the learning resources available and shows you're committed to getting up to speed quickly.
8What are the performance expectations and how is success measured?
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What are the performance expectations and how is success measured?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what's expected of you and how your performance will be evaluated, which is crucial for success.
9What's the company's approach to work-life balance?
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What's the company's approach to work-life balance?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the company's values and whether they support employees' personal lives and well-being.
10What are the most rewarding aspects of working in this role?
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What are the most rewarding aspects of working in this role?
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Why this works
Gets personal insights about job satisfaction and helps you understand what makes the work fulfilling.
11What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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What's the company's approach to diversity and inclusion?
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Why this works
Shows you value inclusive workplaces and helps you understand if the company shares your values.
12What are the typical career paths for someone in this role?
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What are the typical career paths for someone in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you understand advancement opportunities and shows you're thinking about your future with the company.
13What are the most common mistakes new hires make and how can I avoid them?
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What are the most common mistakes new hires make and how can I avoid them?
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Why this works
Shows you're proactive about success and gives you valuable insights into what to avoid in your first months.
14What's the company's approach to technology and innovation?
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What's the company's approach to technology and innovation?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the company's innovation and helps you understand how they're adapting to technological changes.
15What are the biggest opportunities for growth in this role?
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What are the biggest opportunities for growth in this role?
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Why this works
Shows interest in advancement and helps you understand what potential exists for career development.
16What's the company's approach to employee recognition and development?
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What's the company's approach to employee recognition and development?
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Why this works
Reveals their commitment to employee growth and helps you understand how they support their team members.
17What are the most important trends in the industry that I should be aware of?
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What are the most important trends in the industry that I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in staying current with industry developments and shows you're thinking about the future.
18What's the company's approach to remote work and flexible arrangements?
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What's the company's approach to remote work and flexible arrangements?
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Why this works
Important for understanding the company's flexibility and whether they support modern work arrangements.
19What are the next steps in the interview process?
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What are the next steps in the interview process?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in moving forward and helps you understand what to expect in the coming weeks.
20What questions do you have for me about my background or experience?
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What questions do you have for me about my background or experience?
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Why this works
Shows confidence and gives the interviewer a chance to learn more about you, potentially leading to a more meaningful conversation.
Mastering Phone Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Prepare Your Questions in Advance
Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget anything important during the call.
Be Genuinely Curious
Ask questions you're genuinely interested in hearing the answers to, not just questions you think you should ask.
Listen and Take Notes
Pay attention to their answers and take notes so you can remember important details later.
Question Sequences
The Role Understanding Sequence
The Company Culture Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Can Answer Yourself
Avoid asking basic questions that can be answered by looking at their website or job posting.
Avoid Generic Questions
Make your questions specific to the role and company rather than asking the same questions to every employer.
Don't Focus Only on Benefits
While benefits are important, focus more on the role, company culture, and growth opportunities.