20 Questions

Good Questions to Ask During a Phone Screening

Strategic questions to ask during a phone screening to understand the role, company culture, and next steps while demonstrating your interest and professionalism.

1

What is the main focus of this role, and what are the key responsibilities?

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Why this works

Understanding the role focus helps you know what you'll be doing and whether it aligns with your interests and skills.

2

What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would face?

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Why this works

Learning about role challenges helps you understand the difficulties you'll encounter and how to prepare for them.

3

What is the team structure like, and who would I be working with most closely?

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Why this works

Understanding team structure helps you know who you'll collaborate with and how the organization is structured.

4

What are the opportunities for growth and development in this role?

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Why this works

Learning about growth opportunities helps you understand how you can advance your career and what development support is available.

5

What is the company culture like, and how do you maintain it?

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Why this works

Understanding company culture helps you know what the work environment is like and whether you'd fit in well.

6

What are the next steps in the interview process, and what can I expect?

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Why this works

Learning about next steps helps you understand the hiring process and what you need to prepare for.

7

What are the key skills and qualities you're looking for in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding key requirements helps you know what skills are most important and whether you're a good fit.

8

What are the biggest opportunities for impact in this role?

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Why this works

Learning about impact opportunities helps you understand where you can make the most difference and what success looks like.

9

What are the company's values and mission, and how do they guide daily work?

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Why this works

Understanding company values helps you know what the organization stands for and whether you align with them.

10

What are the opportunities for collaboration and teamwork in this role?

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Why this works

Learning about collaboration opportunities helps you understand how you'll work with others and what teamwork looks like.

11

What are the performance expectations and how do you measure success?

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Why this works

Understanding performance expectations helps you know what success looks like and how you'll be evaluated.

12

What are the opportunities for learning and skill development?

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Why this works

Learning about learning opportunities helps you understand how you can develop new skills and stay current in your field.

13

What are the company's recent achievements and what are you most proud of?

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Why this works

Understanding company achievements helps you learn about what the organization has accomplished and what they value.

14

What are the biggest challenges the company is facing right now?

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Why this works

Learning about company challenges helps you understand what problems you'll be solving and how you can contribute.

15

What are the opportunities for innovation and creativity in this role?

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Why this works

Understanding innovation opportunities helps you see how you can contribute new ideas and what creative freedom you'll have.

16

What are the opportunities for leadership and management in this role?

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Why this works

Learning about leadership opportunities helps you understand how you can advance into management and what leadership roles are available.

17

What are the company's policies on work-life balance and flexibility?

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Why this works

Understanding work-life balance policies helps you know what flexibility is available and how the company supports your personal life.

18

What are the opportunities for networking and professional development?

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Why this works

Learning about networking opportunities helps you understand how you can build professional relationships and advance your career.

19

What are the company's diversity and inclusion initiatives?

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Why this works

Understanding diversity initiatives helps you know how the company supports all employees and creates an inclusive environment.

20

What questions do you have about my background and how I might contribute to your team?

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Why this works

Learning about their questions helps you understand what they're looking for and gives you insight into their priorities.

Mastering Phone Screenings

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Preparing for Your Phone Screening

Research the Company

Learn about the company's mission, values, recent news, and culture to ask informed questions.

Understand the Role

Study the job description and requirements to ask questions that show you understand the position.

Prepare Your Questions

Write down your questions beforehand and practice asking them naturally in conversation.

Communicating Effectively

Be Professional

Maintain a professional demeanor and show respect for their time and expertise.

Listen Actively

Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to deepen your understanding.

Share Your Value

Articulate how your skills and experience can contribute to their team and goals.

Following Up Effectively

Send Thank You Notes

Follow up with personalized thank you notes that reference specific points from your conversation.

Stay Connected

Maintain professional relationships even if you don't get the immediate opportunity.

Learn and Improve

Use the insights from your conversation to improve your approach for future opportunities.

Find Your Perfect Questions

Search our collection of thoughtful questions for any conversation or situation