In a job search, phone interviews are often the first step toward securing a new role. While the primary goal is for the employer to assess your suitability, it’s just as important for you to evaluate whether the company and the role align with your career goals. One of the best ways to do this is by asking thoughtful, targeted questions. This guide will help you craft the best questions to ask in a phone interview, setting you apart as a prepared and engaged candidate.
Questions to ask in a phone interview? What to ask
Phone interviews are typically shorter and more focussed than in-person meetings. That’s why the questions to ask in a phone interview must to precise. The key is to tailor your questions to both the company and the specific role, showing that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
Questions to ask in a phone interview about the Company
1. What is the company culture like?
Understanding company culture is key to finding out if it’s a place where you’ll feel comfortable and thrive. It’s important to learn about the company’s values, work environment, and how they treat employees. This question will give you insight into team dynamics, leadership, and overall employee satisfaction.
2. How does the company support professional growth and development?
Asking this question shows your interest in long-term career growth. A good company will invest in its employees by offering training programs, development opportunities, and mentorship. You’ll get an understanding of whether the company prioritizes personal growth or if you’ll need to take the initiative for your career development.
3. How does the company define success for this role?
This question helps you understand what specific outcomes the company expects from you. It allows you to gauge whether their definition of success aligns with your own expectations. You can also assess if the performance standards are realistic or overly ambitious, and how progress is measured within the organization.
Questions to ask in a phone interview about the Role
4. Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities for this role?
This question clarifies what your daily tasks will look like. It’s easy to get an overview of a role from a job description, but hearing about the day-to-day from an insider can give you a clearer understanding of what your routine might entail and whether it aligns with your interests.
5. How does this position contribute to the company’s overall goals?
Understanding how your role fits into the broader company mission is crucial. It helps you see the value of your work and how it impacts the organization’s success. It also shows the interviewer that you’re thinking strategically about how you can add value to the company.
6. What would a successful first three months look like?
This question will give you a clear picture of the company’s expectations during the onboarding phase. It helps you understand the immediate priorities, challenges you’ll face, and any learning curves you need to navigate. A detailed answer can also provide insight into the company’s training and support during this period.
Questions to ask in a phone interview about the team and management style
7. Who would I be working with directly?
Knowing the people you’ll be working with helps you envision your potential work environment. It can also reveal whether the role involves significant collaboration or more independent work. Understanding the structure of your team and who you’ll report to gives you insight into how your work relationships will function.
8. What is the team dynamic like?
Learning about the team dynamic can give you a sense of how well you might fit in. Teams can be highly collaborative, competitive, or work more autonomously. Understanding this helps you determine if the work environment will be comfortable and supportive, and whether it aligns with your own working style.
9. How does the management style support individual and team success?
Management style can greatly impact your job satisfaction. Some managers are hands-on, offering guidance and feedback regularly, while others take a more hands-off approach. Understanding this dynamic helps you assess if the manager’s style will suit your preferences and support your growth within the company.
Questions to ask in a phone interview about career advancement and opportunities
10. What opportunities for advancement does the company offer?
By asking this question, you can learn about the company’s internal mobility policies and whether they promote from within. It also shows the interviewer that you’re thinking long-term and are motivated by career growth. If they offer clear paths for promotion, this may indicate a healthy, growth-oriented company.
11. Does the company provide training or mentorship programs?
Training and mentorship programs indicate that a company invests in its employees’ professional development. This question shows your interest in learning and growing with the organization. If the company values mentorship, it can also be a sign of strong leadership and a commitment to nurturing employees’ skills and knowledge.
Questions to ask in a phone interview about work-life balance
12. What is the typical work schedule?
This question helps set clear expectations for the work hours required, whether the role involves overtime, and the overall work-life balance. Understanding the typical workday can help you gauge if it aligns with your lifestyle or if it requires flexibility. It also shows your concern for balancing personal and professional life.
13. How does the company promote work-life balance?
With more focus on mental health and well-being, many companies are prioritizing work-life balance. This question allows you to assess whether the company takes this seriously or merely pays it lip service. You’ll learn about policies such as remote work, flexible hours, or any initiatives designed to reduce burnout.
Questions About Challenges and Expectations
14. What are the biggest challenges the team or company is currently facing?
This question offers insight into the company’s pain points and growth opportunities. Understanding the challenges you may face helps you assess whether you’re prepared to tackle them. It also demonstrates that you’re thinking critically about the role and are ready to contribute to solving problems or navigating obstacles.
15. What are your expectations for this role in the first six months?
Knowing what is expected of you early on helps you hit the ground running. It provides a roadmap for success and helps you assess whether the expectations align with your abilities and goals. It also allows you to prepare for the pace and priorities in the first few months.
Questions About Performance and Feedback
16. How do you evaluate success in this role?
This question clarifies how your performance will be measured, whether through specific metrics, projects completed, or feedback from colleagues and managers. Understanding this helps you align your efforts with company expectations and ensures that you’re working toward the same goals as your manager from the start.
17. What are the key performance metrics or goals?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) vary by company and role, but they’re essential for tracking progress and success. Asking about these metrics helps you focus on what matters most in your position. It also shows the employer that you are results-oriented and interested in driving tangible outcomes for the company.
Closing Questions
18. What are the next steps in the interview process?
This question demonstrates your interest in continuing with the hiring process. It also helps you understand the timeline for the next steps, giving you a better sense of when to follow up. It’s also useful to know if there will be further rounds of interviews or additional steps, such as assessments.
19. Is there anything else you need to know about my qualifications?
This question gives the interviewer a chance to ask for clarification or additional details they may need. It also shows that you’re confident in your qualifications and eager to ensure they have all the information they need. It’s a good way to close the conversation on a positive note.
How to Effectively Ask Your Questions
When asking questions during a phone interview, the tone and delivery are as important as the content. Make sure to frame your questions in a way that feels conversational and natural. For example, instead of reading off a list, use the answers you receive to ask follow-up questions and show active engagement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Phone Interview
Avoid asking generic questions that could be answered with a quick Google search. Instead, focus on thoughtful, role-specific questions. Additionally, don’t dive into discussions about salary, benefits, or vacation time too early, as this can give the impression that you’re more interested in perks than the role itself.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions during a phone interview is a great way to demonstrate your interest, showcase your preparedness, and get the information you need to make an informed decision. By preparing in advance and focussing on questions that matter most to you, you’ll leave a positive impression and increase your chances of moving forward in the process.
