10 Questions To Ask An Interviewer During A Phone Interview

Phone interviews have existed since time immemorial. However, they have recently grown more common, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited movement and face-to-face interactions. Anyway, if you have an upcoming phone interview, remember to ask the interviewer a few questions at the tail end since it’s important that you also determine if the job is a good fit for you even as you interview for it.

Questions asked to the interviewer must be thoughtful and engaging, and they should also reveal a level of curiosity about the organization. Before we suggest a few examples, let’s find out the importance of asking questions after your interview.

Why You Should Ask Questions in an Interview

An interview isn’t an interrogation or inquisition. The interviewer and interviewee should have a healthy dialogue around what they need and communicate what they can both offer Here are some of the reasons why you should prepare and ask questions in your interview:

Questions Show That You Are Interested In The Organization

Nothing shows that you are interested in an organization more than asking the right questions. Thoughtful and well-researched questions can convince the employer that you really want to be a part of the entity. Contrary to popular opinion, failing to ask questions can work against you as some interviewers may think that you are indifferent about the opportunity. Questions reveal enthusiasm, which you must have as a potential employee. 

Questions Help You Know Whether the Job Is Good For You.

You know what you want, what you are capable of, and the type of organization that can bring the best out of you. Asking specific questions will help you determine whether your potential employer has what you need in order to get the best out of you. Remember, you must also determine whether you will fit in well in the organization to avoid misery in the long run. Questions furnish you with more information about the establishment just as they tell the interviewers who you are and whether you will be a good addition to the team.

Good Questions Can Make You Stand Out

Employers want outstanding candidates. Bombarding your interviewers with thoughtful and proactive questions can give you a competitive edge over other candidates. Most interviewees also shy away from asking questions; therefore, asking yours confidently can get you recognized.

Asking Questions Leads To A Healthy Dialogue

Even though you should be prepared to do most of the talking, ask a few questions to prevent your interview from becoming more of an inquisition. Remember, asking the right questions can help you build a rapport with panel members, which may come in handy if you get the job. Do not, therefore, shy away if given a chance.

Questions Show That You Have Researched The Organization

Asking good questions means you took the time to learn about the organization, which shows commitment. However, remember to dig deeper when researching your potential employer. Do not ask surface-level questions such as how many employees the organization has when you can look up the correct number on their website. Ask about issues that require a level of research.

Good Questions Reveal Intelligence

Intelligence is an attractive trait, both at a personal and professional level. Asking genuine and well-researched questions is a sure way of telling the interviewer you are smart. Remember, what you say (or ask, in this case) can tell the next person if you are competent or not, as it reveals your thought processes. Therefore, take advantage of this chance to impress the interviewer.

Now that you understand the importance of asking questions, let’s find out the right questions to ask during your phone interview.

10 Questions to Ask the Interviewer in a Phone Interview

1. Ask About A Typical Day In The Role

  ‘What does a typical day look like in this position?’

Asking about how a typical day in the workplace looks reveals your interest in their daily work life. It also gives you a chance to visualize your work life if you get the job and determine if you can manage. Do not get satisfied by the key responsibilities listed in the job posting when you can learn about the specific day-to-day tasks you are expected to attend to in your workplace.

2. Ask About The Work Environment

‘Is Your Work Environment Independent or Collaborative?’

This question will help you determine whether the company’s work culture will match your personality and style. If you are used to working in team settings, then a company with an independent work culture may not be the option to settle for, and vice versa. Asking such questions allows you to determine whether you will fit into the organization or not.

3. Ask The Interviewer What They Love Most About the Company

‘What do you love most about working here

This question not only paints you as courageous but can also help you make a personal connection with the interviewer. It will give you a chance to learn more about the company’s culture and what working at the establishment looks like. Expect answers such as excellent growth opportunities and a friendly working environment.

4. Ask About The Future Of The Company

‘Where do you see this company in the next 2/5/10 years?’

This is one of the most thoughtful questions you can ever ask in a phone interview. It shows that you are interested in a long-term commitment, which employers want in employees, given the amount of work recruiting new employees requires. It also reveals an interest in growing with the company. Asking about the company’s future also helps you find out about the job’s stability. Lastly, you will get insight into the company’s priorities, which can help you determine if you have similar values.

5. Ask About The Career Path For The Specific Role

“Which career path should I expect in this role?’

Nobody wants to stay stagnant careerwise; therefore, asking such a question is a good move. Depending on the interviewer’s answer, you will learn how frequently the company promotes and whether you stand to achieve your long-term career goals by working for them. It also shows the interviewer or employer that you are considering a future with the company and therefore works in your favor either way.

6. Ask The Interviewer How The Company Defines Success In The Role At Hand

‘ What does success mean in this role’

This is a well-thought-out question that gives you an idea of the employer’s expectations and allows you to determine whether you can live up to them or not. You will also understand the company’s evaluation, accountability, and feedback processes. Do not shy away from asking questions that can help you achieve highly in your role.

7. Seek Clarification On The Next Steps In The Interview Process

‘What are the next steps after this?’

You should know what lies ahead at the end of your interview to prepare adequately and prevent any surprises. Therefore, remember to ask about the next steps in the Interview process to determine when to expect feedback or whether there will be a second interview. The interviewer’s answer will also help you determine the duration of the hiring process. This should be one of the last questions.

8. Ask If The Company Offers Continuing Training Opportunities For Employees

‘Do you have any continuing training opportunities for employees

By asking whether the company has continuing training opportunities for employees, you get to show that you are interested in getting better at your job and consequently your performance, which employers want to hear. It may also be interpreted as considering a long-term engagement with the company, which still works in your favor. The interviewer’s answer will help you determine whether the company is a good fit or not.

9. Ask How Soon You Can Start

How soon can I start if given a job offer?’

Ensure that you find out when the company expects you to start at the end of your interview, even if it is the only question you will ask. This question shows that you are interested in the job/workplace and gives you a time-frame to get your things in order once you get the position. However, most interviewers ask this question during the interview, so you may not get the chance to ask it.

10. Ask If The Interviewer Needs References

Would You Like Me to Send You a List of References?”

Being ready to provide a list of references is a sure way of telling the interviewer that you can be trusted. This question will also make you outstanding since most candidates do not suggest offering references. Note that you should only offer to provide a list of references if you have one. Don’t do it to appear trustworthy and turn out to be the opposite.

When To Ask Questions

Although we mentioned that interviews don’t have to be inquisitions, you should wait for the employer to give you a chance to ask questions, which normally happens when they are through with theirs. Unless you want clarification on a question, refrain from interrupting the interviewer mid-interview, as you will come off as rude.

Conclusion

Consider asking your interviewer questions at the tail end of your interview if you get the chance. However, ensure that your questions are thoughtful and well-researched. Don’t shy away from such a chance as you need to learn as much as possible about the role and organization. 

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