Questions to Ask for a Phone Interview
Strategic questions that demonstrate your interest and help you evaluate the opportunity during phone interview conversations.
1What does a typical day look like in this role?
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What does a typical day look like in this role?
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Why this works
Provides insight into daily responsibilities and helps you understand the practical aspects of the position.
2What are the key challenges facing this team or department right now?
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What are the key challenges facing this team or department right now?
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Why this works
Demonstrates strategic thinking and reveals current pain points you'd be expected to help address.
3How would you describe the company culture and work environment?
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How would you describe the company culture and work environment?
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Why this works
Reveals the company's values and helps you assess if the culture aligns with your preferences and work style.
4What opportunities exist for professional development and career growth?
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What opportunities exist for professional development and career growth?
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Why this works
Shows interest in long-term career planning and reveals available training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities.
5What does success look like in this role during the first 90 days?
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What does success look like in this role during the first 90 days?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about immediate impact and reveals specific expectations for your initial performance period.
6How does this role fit into the company's overall strategy and goals?
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How does this role fit into the company's overall strategy and goals?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of business context and reveals how your position contributes to larger objectives.
7What are the biggest opportunities for growth or improvement in this area?
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What are the biggest opportunities for growth or improvement in this area?
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Why this works
Shows forward-thinking and reveals potential areas where you could make a significant impact.
8How do you measure performance and provide feedback in this position?
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How do you measure performance and provide feedback in this position?
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Why this works
Demonstrates interest in growth and reveals the company's approach to performance management and development.
9What resources and support will I have to be successful in this role?
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What resources and support will I have to be successful in this role?
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Why this works
Shows practical thinking about execution and reveals the level of support and resources available.
10What is the team structure and how does this role collaborate with other departments?
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What is the team structure and how does this role collaborate with other departments?
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Why this works
Reveals the collaborative nature of the role and helps you understand cross-functional relationships.
11What technologies or tools will I be working with in this position?
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What technologies or tools will I be working with in this position?
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Why this works
Demonstrates practical preparation and reveals the technical skills and tools you'd need to master.
12How does the company approach work-life balance and employee wellness?
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How does the company approach work-life balance and employee wellness?
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Why this works
Demonstrates concern for sustainable performance and reveals company policies around flexibility and well-being.
13What has been the biggest success story for someone in this role recently?
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What has been the biggest success story for someone in this role recently?
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Why this works
Reveals what's possible in the position and provides concrete examples of achievement and recognition.
14What are the company's plans for growth in the next 2-3 years?
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What are the company's plans for growth in the next 2-3 years?
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Why this works
Demonstrates long-term thinking and reveals how the organization's trajectory might affect your role.
15How do you handle decision-making and problem-solving as a team?
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How do you handle decision-making and problem-solving as a team?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the company's processes and reveals how you'd be expected to contribute to solutions.
16What would you say are the most rewarding aspects of working here?
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What would you say are the most rewarding aspects of working here?
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Why this works
Gives insight into company culture and reveals what motivates current employees to stay.
17How does the company support employees who want to take on additional responsibilities?
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How does the company support employees who want to take on additional responsibilities?
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Why this works
Shows ambition and reveals opportunities for expanded scope and leadership development.
18What are the key relationships I'd need to build to be successful here?
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What are the key relationships I'd need to build to be successful here?
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Why this works
Demonstrates understanding of stakeholder management and reveals important connections you'd need to develop.
19How does the company handle change and innovation?
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How does the company handle change and innovation?
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Why this works
Shows interest in adaptability and reveals the organization's approach to growth and transformation.
20What questions should I ask if I need to learn more about this opportunity?
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What questions should I ask if I need to learn more about this opportunity?
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Why this works
Demonstrates thoroughness and reveals additional areas you should explore to make an informed decision.
Best Practices for Phone Interview Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Keep Questions Concise and Clear
Phone interviews have time constraints, so ask focused questions that can be answered clearly without lengthy explanations.
Show Genuine Interest in the Role
Ask questions that demonstrate you're thinking about how you'd contribute and succeed in the position.
Focus on Mutual Fit
Ask questions that help both you and the interviewer assess if this is a good match for your skills and career goals.
Question Sequences
The Role Understanding Sequence
The Culture and Growth Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions You Could Research
Avoid basic questions about company history, products, or services that you can find on their website. Focus on insights only insiders can provide.
Don't Focus Only on Benefits and Compensation
While these matter, don't make every question about money. Show interest in the role, company culture, and growth opportunities.
Don't Ask Too Many Questions
Phone interviews are typically shorter. Ask 3-5 thoughtful questions rather than overwhelming the interviewer with too many.