With the advent of the digital age, many requirements can be fulfilled by utilizing technology. One of these advantages is the phone interview. Phone interviews are becoming increasingly common, as well they should be, and while they usually are not the final and deciding interview, they are a very important pathway to the final interview. Here is a list of sample phone interview questions that are commonly asked along with a little advice on how to best tackle them.

Tell me about yourself
This question is a great question for those prepared to answer it, while those who are not prepared, it can be akin to quicksand. This question sets the pace for the entire interview. Remember, don’t overdo the answer. Keep it precise and to the point ensuring you tell them about yourself but from the perspective of your utility for the position you are trying for.

What type of opportunity are you considering
This question helps the interviewer understand your mental frame vis-a-vis the job you are applying for. Most people start giving ‘ideal’ answers which the interviewer decidedly does not want to know. This question should be answered only from a pragmatic perspective of what you are good at, how that applies to the current opening, how much work and how much remuneration are you looking for. Do not get lofty on this question.

How much do you know about XYZ
This sample phone interview question is for the interviewer to gauge how much knowledge you have about a certain technology or about a job-related process. Remember, you are not in the same room as your interviewer and this is as good an opportunity as you are going to get to make the interviewer understand your level of skill and expertise. No fluff and no faff are the rules you should adhere by while answering this question. Explain whatever they are asking in brief and to the point. This question often leads to follow up questions based on the answer you have provided. Remember to thus be simple and concise. Amongst all the sample phone interview questions, this one is a really important one.

Tell me more about XYZ
A clarification question, this one arises if you have not been clear in answering a previous question or if you answered the previous question well enough for the interviewer to ask a follow-up question to know how much more knowledge you possess about the issue being discussed. Understand the reason behind asking you the question, and then answer accordingly, but keep the dialogue short and sweet.

Remember that any amount of sample phone interview questions cannot prepare you for the real interview. Practice with a friend or family member on the phone and try to be calm and in control of your voice while having clarity in your thoughts. Remember, they cannot see you, only hear you. So, your voice has to have that weightage to impress the interviewer.