Telephone interview questions and answers

Think there’s no need to prepare for a telephone interview? Think again…

While some see them as just a warm-up for a face-to-face meeting, a telephone interview is a crucial stage in its own right. It’s your first real chance to impress a potential employer, and getting it right is key to moving forward. The lack of face-to-face interaction means it can sometimes feel more like a quick-fire quiz than a relaxed chat.

We’ve already covered our top telephone interview tips: dos and don’ts, but to help you prepare for the call, here are some of the most common telephone interview questions and how to answer them.

"Treat a telephone interview just like you would a face-to-face one. Have your notes nearby, speak clearly, and don’t underestimate the power of a smile - it really does come through in your voice! Listen carefully, take a breath before answering, and structure your thoughts so you come across as calm, confident, and in control."

Dominic Watts, Area Manager | Reed

What is a phone screening interview?

A phone screening interview is usually the first step in the hiring process.

A recruiter or hiring manager will call you to ask a series of initial questions. The main goal is to get a better sense of your experience, skills, and personality to see if you’re a good fit for the role and the company culture.

This initial chat helps them narrow down the pool of applicants before moving on to more in-depth, in-person or video interviews. It’s your chance to make a great first impression and show them why you’re the right person for the job.

How to prepare for an interview

Common phone interview questions and answers

There are many things an interviewer might want to learn during a phone screening interview.

Although you can’t know exactly what you’ll be asked, preparing for the most popular questions is a great way to feel confident and ready.

Here are some common telephone interview questions you can expect:

Questions about you and your CV

The interviewer will want to understand your background, skills, and what makes you tick.

1. Tell me about yourself…

This is often the first question, and it’s your chance to deliver a compelling elevator pitch.

Keep it concise and relevant. Start with a brief overview of your professional background, highlight a few key achievements that align with the job description, and finish by explaining why you’re interested in this specific role. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the conversation.

Right answer: 'I’m an experienced marketing manager with a five-year track record in the tech industry. In my last role, I led a campaign that increased our online leads by 30% in six months. I’m passionate about data-driven marketing, and I was excited to see that this role has a strong focus on analytics and strategy, which aligns perfectly with my skills and career goals.'

Wrong answer: 'Well, I was born in a small town, I have two cats, and I really enjoy long walks on the beach…’

How to answer: ‘Tell me about yourself’

2. What are your greatest achievements?

Recruiters ask this to see if you can back up the claims on your CV with concrete examples.

Choose achievements that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. This provides a clear and compelling story of your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements with numbers whenever possible to make them more impactful.

Right answer: ‘In my previous role as a project manager, we were facing a tight deadline for a major client project (Situation). My task was to ensure we delivered on time without compromising quality (Task). I reorganised the project timeline, reallocated resources, and held daily check-in meetings to keep everyone on track (Action). As a result, we delivered the project two days ahead of schedule and received excellent feedback from the client (Result).’

Wrong answer: ‘I’m a great team player. Also, I got to level 100 on Candy Crush once.’

STAR method: What you need to know

3. Take me through your CV…

The interviewer wants a brief overview of your career journey, not a word-for-word recital.

Give a short, chronological summary of your employment history. For each role, mention the company, your job title, and one or two key responsibilities or achievements. This is your opportunity to create a narrative that shows your career progression and how your experiences have prepared you for this new role.

Right answer: ‘I started my career at Company A as a Junior Developer, where I learned the fundamentals of coding. After two years, I moved to Company B as a Mid-Level Developer, where I took on more responsibility, including leading a small project. Most recently, at Company C, I’ve been a Senior Developer, mentoring junior team members and working on large-scale projects. Now, I’m looking for a new challenge where I can apply my leadership skills.’

Wrong answer: Reading your CV out loud, word for word.

Common interview questions and answers

Questions about your current role

Prepare to talk about your current or most recent job, and your reasons for wanting to leave.

4. Why are you leaving your current position?

This question helps recruiters understand your motivations and whether you’ll be a good long-term fit.

Stay positive and focus on the future. Avoid criticising your current employer, as it can make you seem unprofessional. Frame your answer around seeking new challenges, growth opportunities, or a role that better aligns with your career goals.

Right answer: ‘I’ve learned a lot in my current role and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. However, I’m now looking for a position where I can take on more responsibility and further develop my skills in project management, which this role seems to offer.’

Wrong answer: ‘My boss is a nightmare and the company is going downhill. I just need to get out.’

Reasons for leaving a job: What to tell your employer

5. What were your main responsibilities?

This is a chance to elaborate on your CV and connect your experience to the new role.

Have your CV handy, but don’t just read from it. Pick a few key responsibilities and explain them in more detail, highlighting how they are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This shows you understand what the employer is looking for and how your skills can add value.

Right answer: ‘My main responsibilities included managing the company's social media accounts, creating content, and analysing campaign performance. For example, I developed a content strategy that grew our Instagram following by 20% in three months. I see this role also involves social media management, and I’m confident my experience will help me succeed here.’

Wrong answer: ‘It’s all on my CV. Did you not read it?’

How to deal with job interview stress

Questions about the job and company

Your answers here will show the interviewer how much you want this specific job.

6. What do you know about our company?

Employers ask this to gauge your interest and see if you’ve done your homework. It’s time for some company research.

A good answer shows you’ve looked beyond the homepage of their website. Mention their mission, recent projects, company values, or a news article you read about them. This demonstrates genuine interest and initiative.

Right answer: ‘I’ve been following your company for a while and I’m really impressed with your commitment to sustainability. I read about your recent ‘Green Initiative’ and it aligns with my own personal values. I also admire your innovative products, especially the new X-1 model, and I’d be excited to be part of a team that creates such impactful solutions.’

Wrong answer: ‘Not much, to be honest. I just saw the job ad and thought I’d apply.’

How to: Research a company before you apply

7. What salary are you looking for?

Talking about money can be tricky, but it’s an important part of the process.

It’s best to provide a salary range rather than a specific number. Research the average salary for the role in your location using our average salary checker to ensure your expectations are realistic. This shows you know your worth while keeping the door open for negotiation.

Right answer: ‘Based on my research and experience, I’m looking for a salary in the range of £35,000 to £40,000. However, I’m flexible and open to discussing the full compensation package.’

Wrong answer: ‘As much as I can get. What are you offering?’

How to answer interview questions about salary

8. Do you have any questions for me?

This is your chance to show you’re engaged and have thought critically about the role.

Always have a few questions prepared. Asking thoughtful questions shows your interest and helps you decide if the company is the right fit for you. Ask about the team, the company culture, or the biggest challenges of the role.

Right answer: ‘Yes, I do. Could you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role? And what do you enjoy most about working here?’

Wrong answer: ‘No.’

Questions to ask at the end of a job interview

Our advice for a phone interview

To make a strong impression during your phone interview, consider these practical tips:

Choose the right environment: Find a quiet, distraction-free space to ensure clear communication.
Be prepared: Keep your CV, the job description, and any relevant notes handy for quick reference.
Listen carefully: Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and avoid interrupting. Thoughtful responses go a long way.
Practice your answers: Prepare responses to common questions, but aim to sound natural and conversational.
Ask insightful questions: Having a few questions ready shows your interest in the role and helps you gather valuable information.

For more detailed advice, check out our telephone interview tips.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a phone interview last?

A phone interview typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. It's usually a preliminary screening, so the recruiter will focus on key questions to quickly assess your suitability for the role.

What are some red flags in a phone interview?

Some red flags for interviewers include being unprepared, speaking negatively about past employers, showing a lack of enthusiasm, and not having any questions to ask at the end. For candidates, red flags could be an interviewer who is disengaged, vague about the role, or evasive about company culture.

How do I end a phone interview?

End the phone interview on a positive note. Thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate your interest in the role, and ask about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows you're proactive and eager to move forward.

What if I have a gap in my employment history?

If you have a gap in your employment, be honest and explain it confidently. Whether you were travelling, studying, or dealing with personal matters, frame it as a productive and valuable experience. Focus on any skills you gained during that time.

How to explain a gap in your CV

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Telephone interview questions and answers

What is a phone screening interview?