Best Questions to Ask in Phone Interviews to Impress Employers

Asking questions in a phone interview helps set you apart from other candidates. By asking thoughtful, interesting and insightful questions, you can impress employers and feel confident about your performance. This article shares some of the best questions you can ask during a phone interview and helpful tips.

Why should you ask questions during a phone interview?

A phone interview is an opportunity for the employer or hiring manager to get to know you, but it also allows you to learn more about the job and workplace. The right questions can provide answers about the professional, cultural and day-to-day aspects of the company. They can also help you decide if the position is something you would enjoy and if it is the right fit for you.

Additionally, when you ask questions in a phone interview, the employer sees that you are an intelligent and thoughtful individual. They can see you are genuinely interested in the position and you care about more than salary and benefits.

A phone interview should be a well-rounded conversation, with the employer and you both asking questions to clarify the role and the company.

Best questions to ask in a phone interview

Here are the best questions to ask in a phone interview to impress employers:

1. What does a typical day look like for this position?

This question shows the employer you are thinking past the interview phase in addition to offering important insight into what the job will entail on a day-to-day basis. If you can’t picture yourself doing the work, it may not be the right position for you. On the other hand, if you find yourself feeling excited about the typical workday, you may have found a good fit.

2. Why is this position open? 

A bit unusual, this question can reveal problems you might not otherwise see. Perhaps the position was newly created in order to fill a specific need, or the team is expanding because the business is succeeding. The position could also have opened up due to the firing of a team member. The employer will be impressed that you are trying to fully understand the job and its history.

3. How will my performance be evaluated?

When you ask this question, you position yourself as a forward-thinking individual who works well within hierarchical systems. It shows that you are driven to always do your best and keep improving.

4. What does success look like for this position?

The answer to this question will give you a clear picture of your role at the company. It also lets the employer know that you don’t just want the position, you also want to be successful. 

5. Where do you expect the company to be in the next five years?

This question is especially impressive to hiring managers at start-ups, small businesses and companies that are hoping to grow. It sends a signal that you are interested in staying with the company through good times as well as bad and that you value long-term growth over short-term success.

6. Is the work environment more collaborative or independent?

Employers oftentimes ask interview questions about work style. It is similarly appropriate and helpful for you to inquire about the company’s work environment. This will give you a better idea of what type of communication is expected on the job and shows that you care about your fit within the company’s culture.

7. What do employees like most about working here?

Asking for an interviewer’s personal experience can offer addition insight into the company. It also shows you are interested in having a pleasant experience.

8. Do you have any concerns about my skill set or experience that I might be able to address?

Employers are bound to be impressed by interviewees who aren’t afraid to discuss their own flaws. With this question, you give the interviewer the opportunity to voice any concerns, and you give yourself the chance to address them upfront. Employers appreciate openness and direct questions.  

Preparing a few questions before your interview can help the conversation flow naturally, offer valuable insight to the job and leave a positive impression with the interviewer.