9 of the best questions to ask candidates in phone interviews

 閱讀中文版本

Phone interviews are often deployed in the early stages of the hiring process as an initial screening before an in-person interview to make sure that the candidates meet the company's minimum requirements. 

Here are 9 questions to ask during a phone interviews, according to Indeed:

1. Tell me about yourself / your background.

This is a simple way to learn more about the candidate. You should learn the candidates' current employment status, his previous relevant working experience, professional qualifications and accomplishments.

2. Describe yourself.

Instead of telling you about his experience and previously held positions, he should demonstrate the skills and qualities that make him relevant for the position.

3. Why are you applying for this position?

Pay attention if what a candidate said matches with the duties listed in the job description or details about the company. 

4. Why do you want this job? / Why are you looking for a new job?

If a candidate is still in a job, hear what he or she has to say about their current employer. It's a red flag if he starts bad-mouthing the company. If the candidate was fired in the previous job, see how he explains it in a positive way and what he has been doing to improve his skills and work styles in the meantime. 

5. Tell me what you know about the role.

Check if he has taken the time to read the job description and research the company.

6. Why do you want to work here?

This is different from Q3 as this is checking if the candidate has really researched the company. He should be able to highlight a few items that can be found on the company website or recent press releases or news stories. For example, they might be inspired by their mission, generally interested in their products or excited about the company's growth in the industry.

7. What are you passionate about?

See if what a candidate is passionate about aligns with the company culture. 

8. What are your salary expectations?

Decide whether he is over or under-qualified for the position. 

9. A simple test or scenario question.

See how candidates think under pressure. He should respond in less than 30 seconds.