Prepping for a Phone Interview? Be Prepared for These Five Questions

It can be difficult to gauge the interest of a hiring manager when conducting a job interview conducted over the phone, but you can win over a potential employer with strong responses to interview questions. Although you may not be able to assess body language when responding to questions, you can still make a strong impression by preparing for difficult and challenging questions commonly asked during a phone interview.

1. Why Did You Apply For This Job?

Hiring managers want to know just how strong your level of interest is when conducting a job interview. Use this opportunity to show how your skills fit the desired qualifications of the position. For example, respond by confidently detailing how your experience matches what the company is looking for in a candidate. State that you believe you can be successful in the position but also provide concrete details of how you can make success a reality. Note that you are impressed with the company's products, services, mission and culture, and detail how you can positively impact the company's progress.

2. Tell Me About Yourself

Job seekers often falter with this opening question when they provide too many details about their personal life during a job interview. Instead, focus on your career goals, your soft skills such as dedication, loyalty and motivation, and what you hope to accomplish as a professional in the industry. Touch on your previous positions, highlight key skills the firm is seeking, and answer with enthusiasm to show off your professional side and your personality.

3. Where Do You See Yourself in XX Years?

Potential employers want candidates who are committed to advancing and moving forward within their careers. These types of interview questions during a job interview help identify whether or not you have put careful thought into your professional future. Focus on the skills you plan to improve, the contacts you hope to make, and the education and experience you plan to gain over time. Avoid mentioning that you hope to work for another company or change careers all together. Stay focused on your advancement and improvement directly related to the position available or a similar position within the company.

4. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

This is not the time to detail every negative aspect of your previous position. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who leave positions to seek advancement, learn new skills and develop professionally versus candidates who hop from one job to the next in hopes of a pay raise. Think carefully about why you did leave your last position, and focus on opportunities that were not available that are possibly available within the position you are interviewing for this time.

5. Why Should We Hire You?

Sell yourself when asked this question during a job interview. Show that you are confident in your skills, that you are a team player, and that you believe in the value of the company's products and services. Detail how you can positively impact productivity and profitability by offering solid examples of how your experience has prepared you for this position.

Confidence is essential when preparing for a job interview that is conducted face-to-face or over the phone. Show that you are a solid fit for the position by gaining confidence when practicing common questions asked.

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