Good Questions to Ask on a Phone Interview
Strategic questions to ask during a phone interview to demonstrate your interest, gather important information, and make a strong impression on potential employers.
1What does a typical day look like in this role, and what are the main responsibilities?
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What does a typical day look like in this role, and what are the main responsibilities?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the day-to-day work and whether it aligns with your interests and skills.
2What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would face?
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What are the biggest challenges someone in this role would face?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking ahead and helps you understand the real challenges you'll face in the position.
3How do you measure success in this role, and what does that look like in the first 90 days?
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How do you measure success in this role, and what does that look like in the first 90 days?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your goal-oriented mindset and helps you understand expectations and success metrics.
4What is the team structure like, and who would I be working with most closely?
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What is the team structure like, and who would I be working with most closely?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the team dynamics and who you'll be collaborating with on a regular basis.
5What 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
Shows your commitment to growth and helps you understand opportunities for advancement.
6What is the company culture like, and how do you maintain it?
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What is the company culture like, and how do you maintain it?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the work environment and whether it aligns with your values and preferences.
7What is the most exciting project or initiative the team is working on right now?
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What is the most exciting project or initiative the team is working on right now?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you understand what you can look forward to in the role.
8What is the biggest opportunity for growth or improvement in this department?
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What is the biggest opportunity for growth or improvement in this department?
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Why this works
Shows strategic thinking and helps you understand where you could make the most impact.
9How do you handle feedback and performance reviews in this role?
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How do you handle feedback and performance reviews in this role?
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Why this works
Shows you're interested in continuous improvement and helps you understand the feedback culture.
10What is the most important skill or quality that someone in this role should have?
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What is the most important skill or quality that someone in this role should have?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the key requirements and whether you're a good fit for the position.
11What is the biggest challenge the company is facing right now, and how does this role help address it?
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What is the biggest challenge the company is facing right now, and how does this role help address it?
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Why this works
Shows strategic thinking and helps you understand the company's current priorities and challenges.
12What is the most rewarding aspect of working in this team or department?
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What is the most rewarding aspect of working in this team or department?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what motivates the team and what you can look forward to in the role.
13What is the most important lesson you've learned from someone in this role?
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What is the most important lesson you've learned from someone in this role?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in learning and helps you understand what insights you can gain from the position.
14What is the most exciting project or opportunity coming up in the next year?
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What is the most exciting project or opportunity coming up in the next year?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you understand what you can look forward to in the role.
15What is the most important relationship or collaboration this role requires?
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What is the most important relationship or collaboration this role requires?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the key stakeholders and relationships you'll need to build.
16What is the most significant change or evolution this role has undergone recently?
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What is the most significant change or evolution this role has undergone recently?
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Why this works
Helps you understand how the role is evolving and what trends are shaping the position.
17What is the most important quality in a team member, and how do you foster it?
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What is the most important quality in a team member, and how do you foster it?
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Why this works
Shows your interest in teamwork and helps you understand what the team values most.
18What is the most interesting trend you're seeing in this industry, and how does it affect this role?
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What is the most interesting trend you're seeing in this industry, and how does it affect this role?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in industry developments and helps you understand the role's context.
19What is the most important thing you want someone in this role to accomplish in their first year?
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What is the most important thing you want someone in this role to accomplish in their first year?
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Why this works
Shows your goal-oriented mindset and helps you understand what success means in this specific context.
20What questions do you have about my background and how I might contribute to your team?
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What questions do you have about my background and how I might contribute to your team?
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Why this works
Shows their interest in you and gives you insight into what they're looking for in a team member.
Mastering Phone Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Preparing for Your Phone Interview
Research the Company
Learn about the company's mission, values, recent news, and challenges 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 the conversation.
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.