Common phone interview questions: What to expect and how to answer

Phone interviews are often the first step in the hiring process. They are designed to quickly assess whether you are a good fit for the role and whether it is worth inviting you to a longer in-person or video interview. While the setting may feel more casual, your answers still need to be professional, focused, and thoughtful. In this article, we will cover the most common phone interview questions you are likely to hear, along with sample answers and tips on how to prepare. We will also explain what interviewers are really listening for, common mistakes to avoid and how to follow up afterwards.

Whether you're applying for your first job or a senior position, preparing for a phone interview can help you stand out early in the process.

How to prepare for a phone interview

Preparing for telephone interview questions is a bit different from getting ready for an in-person meeting. You will not need to plan your outfit or navigate traffic, but the preparation still matters and can set the tone for the rest of your application process.

Start by researching the company. Look at their website, recent news articles or blog posts, and check their social media to get a feel for how they present themselves. You do not need to memorise facts, but it helps to understand what the company does, what its values are, and how the role you are applying for fits into the bigger picture.

Next, review the job description in detail. Make sure you understand what they are looking for and match your experiences to the requirements. Think about specific examples you can use to back up your claims: achievements, projects or challenges you have handled in previous roles.

Practice talking through your CV and background. The interviewer might ask you to walk them through your experience, so be ready to explain your career story in a clear, concise way that highlights your strengths. You can rehearse this out loud or with a friend but aim to sound natural.

Prepare your environment, too. Find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted, and make sure your phone is charged and has a strong signal. Headphones with a built-in mic can help with sound quality. Keep a glass of water, a notepad, and a pen nearby, along with your CV and the job posting in case you need to refer to them during the call.

Finally, think about your mindset. It is normal to feel a bit nervous but try to approach the call with curiosity and confidence. How you answer the phone screening interview questions is as much about your communication style as your qualifications, so being prepared, present, and polite will go a long way.

Tips for phone interviews

Even though a phone interview removes the face-to-face element, preparation still matters. These simple tips can help you sound confident, stay focused, and make a great impression from the very first question.

Find a quiet, distraction-free space

Let others know not to disturb you and make sure your phone reception is strong. A calm setting helps you focus fully and speak with confidence.

Have your notes nearby

One advantage of phone interviews is being able to refer to your notes, CV and job description. Just be careful not to read word-for-word, as it can sound scripted.

Speak clearly and do not rush

Without visual feedback, interviewers rely entirely on your tone and pacing. Clear speech helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the conversation smooth.

Smile while speaking

Smiling adds warmth to your voice and helps build rapport. It also helps you come across as enthusiastic and approachable.

Use a landline if possible

A landline or stable internet connection helps avoid audio issues during telephone interviews. Dropped calls or glitches can disrupt the flow and cause unnecessary stress.

Stand while you talk

Standing up can make your voice sound more energetic and confident. It also helps with breathing and posture, especially if you tend to slump while sitting.

Pace your breathing

Take a breath before each answer to calm nerves and stay focused. Controlled breathing also helps you sound composed and thoughtful.

Have a pen and paper ready

Write down interviewer names, key questions or topics to follow up on. Jotting quick notes during the call can also help you tailor your follow-up email.

Keep a glass of water nearby

Dry mouth is common when you are experiencing interview nerves. A quick sip of water can help you keep your voice clear and steady.

Pause before responding

Taking two or three seconds to think before answering the phone screening interview questions is completely acceptable and shows composure.

Common phone interview questions (with sample answers)

Phone interviews usually follow a simple structure, but the telephone interview questions can still catch you off guard if you are not prepared. Below are some of the most common interview questions you are likely to hear in a first-round call.

For each phone screening interview question, we have included a sample answer to help you think about how to structure your own response.

1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

Sample answer: I have been working in customer service for the past four years, most recently at a SaaS company where I handled inbound support requests. I have developed strong communication skills and a good understanding of customer needs in a tech-driven environment. I am now looking for a new role where I can take on more responsibility and grow within a company like yours.

2. Why are you interested in this role?

Sample answer: I really like how this role combines hands-on project work with cross-team collaboration. I read on your site that you are launching a new product line, and I would be excited to contribute to something innovative. I have been following your brand for a while and appreciate how you focus on sustainability and design.

3. What do you know about our company?

Sample answer: I know your company focuses on personalised fitness coaching through your app, and that you recently expanded into the UK market. I also saw your CEO's interview about using AI to improve customer experience. What stood out to me is how your product adapts to individual users over time, which aligns with my interest in behaviour-driven design.

4. Why are you leaving your current job?

Sample answer: I have learned a lot in my current role and worked with some great people, but I am looking for a position where I can take on more strategic projects and broaden my skills. I feel ready for a new challenge and think this role aligns well with my long-term goals.

5. What are your salary expectations?

Sample answer: Based on my experience and research on similar roles in this industry, I would expect something in the range of £40,000 to £45,000. I am happy to discuss and be flexible depending on the full package and growth opportunities.

Tip: Use online salary guides to benchmark your pay and respond confidently.

6. What are your strengths?

Sample answer: One of my strengths is being able to stay calm under pressure. In my last role, I managed customer complaints during a product recall. I kept communication clear, followed up with customers personally, and helped reduce escalations by 30 percent.

7. What is your biggest weakness?

Sample answer: I used to struggle with delegating tasks because I like to be in control. But I have learned that good teamwork relies on trust, so I have been working on sharing responsibilities more effectively. I now use check-ins and clear role assignments to stay on top of things without micromanaging.

8. How do you handle stress or pressure?

Sample answer: When I am under pressure, I take a step back and prioritise what needs to be done. At my last job, we once had a system outage just before a product launch. I helped coordinate the response team, focused on the biggest client concerns and communicated updates clearly.

9. How do you stay organised when working remotely?

Sample answer: I use Notion and Google Calendar to plan my week and track tasks. I also set aside regular focus blocks and check in with teammates at the start of each day. Keeping a clear routine helps me stay productive and connected when working remotely.

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Sample answer: Yes, I would love to know more about how success is measured in this role. What would the first few months look like, and how does the team usually work together day to day?

11. How do you prioritise your work when managing multiple deadlines?

Sample answer: I identify what is most urgent and impactful, then break each task into steps. During reporting periods, I managed several deliverables at once by blocking time on my calendar and checking in daily with stakeholders.

12. Describe a time when you had to solve a problem quickly.

Sample answer: At my previous job, our payment system failed during the lunch rush. I quickly created a manual record system and reassured customers while we contacted support. My quick thinking helped avoid chaos and kept everything running smoothly.

13. What motivates you?

Sample answer: I am motivated by continuous improvement. In my last role, I noticed our onboarding documents were out of date, so I took the initiative to update them. That small change cut down training time and improved accuracy.

14. How would your previous manager describe you?

Sample answer: My manager often called me reliable and thoughtful. She appreciated that I followed through on commitments, mentored new hires and stayed calm in high-pressure situations.

15. Do you prefer working independently or in a team?

Sample answer: I enjoy both. I like the energy of a team but also value time for focused, independent work. I am comfortable switching between the two depending on the project.

What happens after a phone interview?

After your phone interview, the recruiter or hiring manager will usually take some time to review their notes and discuss your performance with the team. In most cases, they are looking for signs that you would be a good cultural fit, that you meet the basic requirements of the role, and that you are genuinely interested in the position.

If they are impressed, they will typically invite you to a second interview, either in person or via video. This next stage may be more technical or detailed, so do not worry if they do not ask everything during the first call. The goal of the phone screening interview is to narrow down the shortlist.

You might not hear back immediately, but it is perfectly okay to follow up after a few days if you have not received a response. A polite email asking about next steps shows that you are interested and organised. Whether you move forward or not, every interview is a chance to build confidence and learn something new.

Common mistakes in phone interviews

Even strong candidates can make small mistakes that weaken their chances. Here are a few things to avoid during your next telephone interview:

Multitasking during the call

Focus entirely on the conversation. Interviewers can tell if you are distracted, and it can come across as disrespectful or disinterested. Make sure you are in a space where you can give the interviewer your full attention.

Over-rehearsed answers

Keep your tone conversational and avoid sounding robotic. It is better to sound natural and thoughtful than to memorise a script word for word. Interviewers want to get a sense of your real communication style.

Not asking questions

Even one thoughtful question at the end shows genuine interest. It also gives you a chance to assess the company and the role. Without questions, you may seem disengaged or unprepared.

Speaking too fast

Slow down and pause often so the interviewer can take notes. Speaking too quickly can make your answers harder to follow and can make you seem nervous or unclear.

Skipping the follow-up

Send a thank-you email afterwards to leave a positive impression. A short message that recaps your interest in the role helps you stay top of mind and shows you value the interviewer’s time.

Final thoughts

A phone interview may feel less formal than an in-person one, but it still plays a big role in whether you move forward in the hiring process. The way you prepare, speak and follow up can leave a strong impression, even if the call only lasts 20 minutes.

By reviewing common phone interview questions, thinking through your answers and setting up a quiet space for the call, you will give yourself the best chance of success. Keep your tone friendly and professional, speak clearly, and treat the interview as seriously as any other stage. A calm, confident conversation can often be the difference between a second interview and a rejection.

Finally, remember that every phone screening interview is also a chance for you to learn more about the company and decide if it feels like the right fit. Come prepared, stay curious and show that you are genuinely interested in the role, and you will already be ahead of many other applicants. A strong phone interview is the foundation for a strong hiring journey.