How to Answer Phone Interview Questions ?

Be confident while answering phone interview questions. You might be nervous and not completely sure that your answer is the one the interviewer is expecting, but say it with conviction .

Listen to ALL the questions before answering.

We have interviewed people who only hear the first bit of a question because they are already thinking about the answer. They then miss the next bit.

For example: “Tell me about two of your strengths and give me examples of both”.

Some people hear the word “strengths” and off they go……. They list 2 strengths then stop, and wonder why the interviewers are looking like they expect more!

Think before you speak . What might seem like ages to you really isn't. Too many people jump in as soon as the question ends. Don't.

If you can't think of an answer , ASK to come back to it. This is far better and shows more confidence than saying nothing, stammering or talking rubbish (people do). Just say “I need a little more time to think about that one. Can I come back to it later?”

If you don't understand the question, ask for clarification. Confidence is about being able to say you don't understand without feeling stupid. Use persuasive language while answering phone interview questions. Like,

Don't say, when asked what you've done in your current job:
"In my current job I did X and Y. Then I did Z".

Instead, use words like “project led”, “volunteered”, “was asked” “successfully”.

“In my current job, I was asked to implement X. After that, I project led a team to implement Y. After that I volunteered to take on X and completed it successfully before the deadline”.

Can you see that this is much better? You sound active in your own successes, not just passively doing tasks given to you.

And Be Positive while answering phone interview questions. Don't use negative words or say anything bad about your current job, boss or Company. Instead talk about what else you are looking for. Say “I genuinely enjoyed my last job, but I'm eager to move onto a different challenge and use the skills I've gained”, or something similar.

Take the initiative . If you're not asked about something which you feel is important, raise the subject yourself. After all, this is your one chance to sell yourself, so don't waste the opportunity. You can do this at the end by adding “I've not had the opportunity to tell you about X. would you mind if I take a few minutes to tell you?” .

Back up statements with examples . If you describe an ability, skill or experience, follow it with an example.

Don't be afraid to refer to any notes you have made and taken with you when you're answering phone interview questions. When asked a question, just say "I just need a moment to refer to my notes. Is that ok?". The interviewer will say 'Yes' and be impressed that you anticipated the question and prepared for it.

Be careful not to talk TOO much. When you've finished answering interview questions, don't be tempted to fill any awkward silences with nervous chatter. Sometimes, silence is used as a technique to see how you'll react. You can always pass the lead back to them by pleasantly saying “does that answer your question?”