Questions to Ask in a Phone Interview
Strategic questions that help you evaluate the opportunity and demonstrate your interest during phone interviews.
1What 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
Gets specific expectations and shows you're thinking about immediate impact and performance goals.
2What are the biggest challenges facing this team right now?
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What are the biggest challenges facing this team right now?
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Why this works
Demonstrates strategic thinking and helps you understand what you'd be walking into if hired.
3How would you describe the team culture and dynamics?
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How would you describe the team culture and dynamics?
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Why this works
Helps you assess if the work environment matches your style and values.
4What opportunities are there for professional growth and development?
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What opportunities are there for professional growth and development?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking long-term and helps you understand career progression possibilities.
5What's the management style like for this position?
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What's the management style like for this position?
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Why this works
Understanding leadership approach helps you assess if you'd work well with your potential manager.
6What tools and technologies will I be working with?
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What tools and technologies will I be working with?
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Why this works
Ensures you'll have access to modern tools and helps you prepare for the role if hired.
7How does the company handle remote work and flexibility?
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How does the company handle remote work and flexibility?
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Why this works
Important for understanding work arrangements and adapting to modern work preferences.
8What'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
Critical for understanding expectations and ensuring the role fits your lifestyle needs.
9What are the company's biggest priorities for the next year?
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What are the company's biggest priorities for the next year?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking strategically and helps you understand how your role fits into broader goals.
10How do you measure performance and provide feedback?
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How do you measure performance and provide feedback?
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Why this works
Understanding evaluation processes helps you know how your work will be assessed and supported.
11What's the most exciting project the team is working on?
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What's the most exciting project the team is working on?
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Why this works
Shows enthusiasm and helps you understand the type of work you'd be doing.
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
Reveals growth opportunities and helps you understand long-term potential at the company.
13How does the company support learning and skill development?
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How does the company support learning and skill development?
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Why this works
14What's the company's mission and how does this role contribute to it?
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What's the company's mission and how does this role contribute to it?
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Why this works
Helps you assess if the company's purpose aligns with your own values and goals.
15What are the biggest opportunities for improvement in this area?
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What are the biggest opportunities for improvement in this area?
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Why this works
Demonstrates strategic thinking and shows you're already thinking about how to add value.
16How does the company handle diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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How does the company handle diversity, equity, and inclusion?
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Why this works
Important for understanding company values and commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
17What's the team's biggest accomplishment in the past year?
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What's the team's biggest accomplishment in the past year?
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Why this works
Shows interest in the team's work and helps you understand their achievements and capabilities.
18What would you say are the most important qualities for success in this role?
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What would you say are the most important qualities for success in this role?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what they're looking for and assess if you're a good fit.
19How does the company handle innovation and new ideas?
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How does the company handle innovation and new ideas?
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Why this works
Shows you're thinking about contributing creatively and helps you understand the company's approach to innovation.
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 you're interested in their perspective and gives them a chance to ask about you.
Mastering the Phone Interview
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
How to Prepare for Phone Interviews
Research the Company Thoroughly
Learn about their mission, recent news, products, and culture. This helps you ask informed questions and show genuine interest.
Prepare Your Questions in Advance
Write down 5-7 questions you want to ask. This ensures you don't forget important topics and shows you're prepared.
Test Your Technology
Ensure your phone has good reception, your internet is stable if using video, and you have a quiet, professional environment.
Have Your Resume and Notes Ready
Keep your resume, job description, and any notes about the company easily accessible during the call.
Effective Phone Communication
Speak Clearly and Slowly
Phone calls can make it harder to understand speech. Speak clearly, pause between thoughts, and avoid rushing.
Use Active Listening
Show you're engaged by asking follow-up questions, summarizing what you heard, and responding thoughtfully.
Take Notes
Write down key points, names, and important information. This shows professionalism and helps you remember details.
Ask for Clarification
If you don't understand something, ask for clarification rather than guessing or making assumptions.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Not Asking Questions
Failing to ask questions shows lack of interest and preparation. Always have thoughtful questions ready.
Asking Only About Salary
Focus on the role, culture, and growth opportunities first. Salary discussions should come later in the process.
Being Too Casual
Even though it's a phone call, maintain professionalism. Avoid background noise, interruptions, or overly casual language.
Not Following Up
Always send a thank-you email after the interview, reiterating your interest and highlighting key points from your conversation.