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A phone interview is typically your first interaction with a prospective employer. Even though you’re not actually meeting face-to-face, it’s still their first impression of you, and vice versa.

To be sure you leave them wanting to know more about you, versus eliminating you from their short list of serious candidates, bring your A game to this critical phone call. It helps to be familiar with questions commonly asked during phone interviews and how you could best respond.

Here are some samples:

“Tell me about yourself.”

Avoid simply reiterating what’s on your resume; after all, your interviewer has already read it and probably has it right in front of them. What they’re really looking for in your response is which specific qualities make you right for the role.

  • Focus on your skills and experiences that are most applicable. Often, a good approach to take is the “past-present-future” formula. Explain where you are and what you do now, what relevant accomplishments you’ve made in the past, and conclude with your future goals.

“Describe what you do in your current role.”

This question provides additional context for your interviewer to understand your skillset and fit better.

  • Highlight your positive impact: how your work has made your team or company better and more successful. Be ready to support your case with numbers and specific details to paint a clearer picture.

“What are you looking for in your next position?”

In this and all your responses, be honest. If you already have a job but are looking for something different, explain how this new role will fill the bill – without speaking negatively about your current employer or situation.

  • Sample answers: “I believe I’ve really honed X skill, and now I’m ready to take things to the next level and pursue Y.” Or “Being part of an organization where I can work toward something I care about matters a lot to me. Your company’s goal of being the intersection between data analysis and education is an inspiration, which makes me excited about this opportunity.”

“How do you like to be managed?”

Your interviewer wants to determine if you’d get along well with your new boss. Do you prefer a hands-on supervisor or someone who steps back and lets you run with things on your own?

  • Again, honesty is the best policy. Don’t just try to answer this question the way you think your interviewer wants to hear it. Your relationship with your manager will be crucial to your success, so if it’s not going to be a good match, it’s best to find out early and move on.

The PrideStaff Northern Kentucky team of career development experts can walk you through interview preparation and all the aspects of your successful job search, from start to finish. Our services are designed to match skilled professionals in Northern Kentucky with truly rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today to learn more.

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