Interview Cheat Sheet: 8 Questions and Answers Before a Phone Interview

A cheat sheet is a shortlist of information that you can use to help you do or remember something. It is basically used to record the summarised answers of an exam. You can also find interview cheat sheets that allow you to practice for your interview ahead of time.

If you are going to get on a new job and you’ll be attending an interview with your new company soon, you may need an interview cheat sheet.

In this article, we have listed out 8 questions and answers you will need to practice before you get on a phone interview.

Peep the table of contents here below for an overview of what to expect in this article.

What is a Cheat Sheet?

A cheat sheet is a shortlist of information that you can use to help you do or remember something. It is basically used to record the summarised answers of an exam.

You can also find interview cheat sheets that allow you to practice for your interview ahead of time.

How Long do Phone Interviews Last?

Basically, phone interviews are often shorter than in-person interviews as they are most commonly used for pre-screening candidates. Most phone interviews last 30 minutes or less, so you should set aside at least half an hour for your phone interview.

Read: List of 8 Do On the Spot Interview Test

How to Ace a Phone Interview

Here below are some tips to help you pass your phone interview when next you get on one.

Do your research in advance

Know as much as you can about the employer and the opportunity before the interview, just as you would for an in-person interview:

  • Re-read the job posting, and make notes of where you meet or exceed the requirements (and where you don’t).
  • Review the organization’s website (if any) to see what they do, where they are, and the latest news they may have posted.
  • Look for a LinkedIn “Company Profile” to see what information they post, as well as other job openings they might have.
  • Google the company and the product/service names.

Always elaborate on your answers

Brief “yes” and “no” responses will not move a telephone interview forward, but will end it quickly.

Therefore, paint visual pictures with your words by telling stories that demonstrate results you achieved or contributed to with answers that express the who, what, when, where, how, and why. Those answers will make you stand out. Elaborate more on your answers.

Listen carefully

Of course, you know listening to the “other side” during an over-the-phone interview is as important as what you say, and, in fact, what you say will be more effective if you are listening carefully.

Avoid making assumptions about what is being said. Ask for clarification if necessary so that your response will be most appropriate.

Completely focus your attention on the interviewer. Answer the interviewer’s questions carefully, and ask your own.

Don’t take other calls or texts and avoid all other distractions.

Always smile while on the phone

While on the call, you will find that your smiles are “heard” by the interviewer as well as your voice. This makes for a positive impression. This is where your attitude will really show.

To help you remember to smile, place a mirror by the phone, where it will be easy for you to see yourself in it. Then, during the call, make a point of looking into it, and smiling while you are talking.

Questions and Answers to Practice Before a Phone Interview

If you looking to attend a virtual interview soon, here are some phone interview questions to practice.

It is important to note that the kind of answer you give is dependent on the industry you are applying to.

Also Read: Are Leaders Born Or Made? An Expert Advice And Views

Now let’s see some examples.

  1. Why did you apply for this job?

“I applied for this position because I am seeking a more challenging opportunity in my field. This opportunity was especially exciting to me because your organization is well known for its unmatched level of professionalism and growth opportunities. I would be thrilled to work for your company.”

“I have been looking for a high-growth startup for quite a while, and your company is what I’ve been seeking in a work environment. You value your people and have an awesome culture centered around achievement, growth, and accountability. You are disrupting an industry that needs some shaking up, and you have science that is allowing that disruption. The energy in here is contagious, which only makes me even more excited about the opportunity.”

2. Why are you leaving your current position?

I want to learn more. I feel like I’m ready to take on more responsibility. I believe I’ve progressed as far as I can in my current role. I sincerely need a change of environment to motivate me.

3. Why are you the best candidate for us?

“From our discussion, I believe that one of your company’s most important goals is to increase sales numbers, and quickly. I am the best candidate for you because I have a consistent history of exceeding my targets and goals. Because of my dedication to exceeding targets, I have been promoted two times in the last year, which is nearly unheard of in my current company. In addition to these successes, I have very excellent cold calling skills, which I will immediately put to good use.”

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

“I am looking for a long-term career opportunity. As you can see, I have had solid and consistent career growth. I would love to see the same pattern of success and tenure with your company. I understand that, as an international organization, you have global leadership opportunities that arise from time to time. If I could work my way into a leadership role here, or in another country, I would be thrilled.”

5. How did you hear about this position?

“I learned about this role from (where you heard of the opportunity) when searching for job opportunities”. 

6. What is your current and expected salary?

Based on my 10 years of experience in this field, I would expect a salary in the range of $Y to $Z. I’m sure we can come to an agreement on salary anyway.

7. What is your greatest strength?

“My greatest strength is attention to detail. I’ve always been detail-oriented in my work, and it’s something I enjoy. I saw on your job description that this role involves a lot of detail-oriented work, which is one reason I applied.”

8. What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness is that I am a shy and nervous person by nature. The result is that I have a difficult time speaking up in groups. Even if I have good ideas, I have trouble asserting them. Often I keep them to myself.

Conclusion

So the next time you are going to get on a job, use our Interview Cheat Sheet to practice. You can be sure not to go wrong in any way.

Related Post

Sources

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like